IFLA Responds to Call by UN Special Rapporteur for Inputs About Human Rights Impacts of Measures Against Disinformation

From the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA)/FAIFE (Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression):

IFLA responded to a call for inputs about human rights impacts of measures against disinformation, issued by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. The submission highlights the potential of media and information literacy as a way to help address dis- and mis-information – alongside not restricting freedom of expression, it can help deliver on other key human rights, like the rights to health or to a free and fair election.

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Disinformation, uniquely challenging in the increasingly dense and complex digital information environment, interferes with individuals’ ability to make informed decisions and realise their essential human rights. However, the new call for inputs by the UN Special Rapporteur also draws attention to the concerns about human rights impacts of measures which different stakeholders – from states to online platforms, human rights organisations and others – take to combat disinformation.

These include, of course, the impacts of broadly- or vaguely-defined “fake news” laws on freedom of expression and opinion; or internet shutdowns that bear a heavy cost on people’s access to information as a driver of development and rights.

In light of this, IFLA’s submission highlights the potential of media and information literacy interventions to help address the challenges of mis- and dis-information. Drawing on the global library field’s experiences, it points to some possible good practices and insights from the ongoing work and research in this field – from targeted and tailored outreach initiatives that can help reach those who are not currently in formal education, to scalability and replicability of interventions.

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Direct to Full Text Submission to UN Special Rapporteur

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