Guterres: Technology Companies Must Be Responsible For The Damage They Caused

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (photo: x @antinooguterres)

JAKARTA - United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, on Monday, June 24 demanded major consumer technology companies take responsibility and recognize the damage their products cause to people and communities."

In a speech targeting companies, which he did not name them, and their social media platform, Guterres said his complaint. "You have the power to reduce losses to people and society around the world. You have the power to change business models that take advantage of disinformation and hatred," Guterres said.

Guterres warned that "untransparent algorithms encourage people into the information bubble and strengthen prejudices including racism, misogini, and discrimination of all kinds," with the general target being women, refugees, migrants, and minorities.

Guterres spoke at a news conference to launch a series of UN global principles for information integrity, which he called a starting point for fighting misinformation, disinformation and hate speech.

"Some stakeholders have enormous responsibilities," he added. "For them, I have a clear message: We demand action."

Guterres said advertisers and the public relations industry should stop monetizing harmful content, citing the climate crisis.

"Creator - don't use your talent to wash green. PR agencies are looking for clients who don't mislead people and destroy our planet," Guterres said.

He urged the media to step up and enforce editorial standards and "find advertisers who are part of the solution, not a problem," while the government must commit to a free, viable, independent, and plural media landscape.

"Technology will allow us all to enjoy the mode because in the end everyone wants to look good," he said.

Guterres also asked the government: "Ensuring regulations uphold human rights. Refusing from drastic measures, including overall internet blackouts. Respecting the right to opinion and expression."

Last week, US Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, called for additional warning labels on social media applications as a reminder that the platform has caused harm to young people, especially teenagers.