The Council of Europe is taking part in the 20th UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Lillestrøm, Norway (23-27 June), focusing on ensuring human rights in the age of big tech, advancing equality and inclusion in AI and countering disinformation and the threats to democratic dialogue.
Addressing the high-level session Losing the information space? Ensuring fundamental rights and resilient societies in the age of Big Tech the Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge highlighted Council of Europe action in countering mis- and disinformation, cyber interference, cybercrime and the promotion of transparency, citizen empowerment and digital literacy.
"Disinformation is a growing threat to democracy, thriving in systems designed for engagement, not truth. The Council of Europe is committed to defending democratic processes from covert manipulation - therefore we must defend freedom not only from censorship, but also from manipulation."
Speakers at the high-level session included the Norwegian Minister of Culture and Equality, Lubna Jaffery; the Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs of Estonia, Liisa-Ly Pakosta; the Director of Tech Policy at TikTok, Lisa A. Hayes; the Director-General of Reporters Without Borders, Thibaut Bruttin; and Secretary, Dicastery of Communication at the Holy See, Lucio Adrián Ruiz.
In a panel discussion with the Head of Data and Digital Sector, EU Fundamental Rights Agency, David Reichel, on Advancing Equality and Inclusion in AI, Bjørn Berge also set the scene. He said that AI is shaping how people access jobs, services, information and justice and that, too often, these systems reinforce inequality. "Together with the EU AI Act, the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence offers a legal foundation to ensure AI upholds rights, not undermines them."
On 25 June, the Council of Europe will organise the open forum AI and Disinformation: Countering the Threats to Democratic Dialogue, which will tackle challenges deriving from the use of AI-tools generating and spreading disinformation and the threats they pose to democratic dialogue. The session will also examine the role and responsibilities of digital platforms in disseminating false AI-generated information and promoting quality journalism.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this week's Forum, held under the theme "Building Governance Together," is gathering more than 7,000 participants from over 170 countries. They include representatives from governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, technical communities and international and intergovernmental organisations.
