New Delhi

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres lashed out at businesses for ‘profiting from hate.’ Guterres demanded that big consumer technology firms take responsibility and acknowledge the damage inflicted on people and communities.

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Speaking at a news conference to launch a set of UN global principles for information integrity, Guterres called this a starting point to combat misinformation, disinformation and hate speech.

While not taking aim at specific companies, he said, ‘Some stakeholders carry an outsized responsibility. For them, I have a clear message: We demand action. First, to the big tech companies, take responsibility. Acknowledge the damage your products are inflicting on people and communities, and you have the power to mitigate harm to people and societies around the world. You have the power to change business models that profit from disinformation and hate. Second, to advertisers and the PR industry: Stop monetizing harmful content. Strengthen information integrity, protect your brand, boost your bottom line. The climate crisis is a cause of particular concern. Coordinated disinformation campaigns are seeking to undermine climate action. Creatives - don’t use your talents to greenwash. PR agencies – look for clients who aren’t misleading people and destroying our planet.’

Guterres also urged media outlets to enforce strict editorial standards while saying governments should commit to a free, viable, independent, and plural media landscape.

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He said, ‘Find advertisers who are part of the solution, not the problem. And finally, I say to governments: Commit to creating and maintaining a free, viable, independent, and plural media landscape. Guarantee strong protections for journalists. Ensure regulations uphold human rights. Refrain from drastic measures, including blanket internet shutdowns. Respect the right to freedom of opinion and expression. Let me be very clear: Everyone should be able to express themselves freely without fear of attack.’