What confidence-building approaches–individual and institutional–can help build a common understanding of information integrity as essential for a safe online user experience?

The United Nations, in its continuous effort to foster a more inclusive and secure digital environment, is developing a comprehensive code of conduct for information integrity on digital platforms. This initiative, encompassing a wide array of civil society groups – including youth, media professionals, advertisers, academic experts, digital platform representatives, and Member States – aims to establish a “gold standard” for actions that enhance information integrity while upholding human rights.

Building upon the foundation laid by the United Nations Secretary-General’s Our Common Agenda policy brief number eight, issued in June 2023, this project is centered around a set of nine principles and corresponding recommendations. These principles are designed to serve as a pivotal step towards formulating a code of conduct that assures a safer and more inclusive digital space, safeguarding the fundamental rights to freedom of opinion, expression, and access to information.

The event is a crucial component of our collaborative consultation process and aims to achieve the following objectives:

• Global Platform for Stakeholder Engagement: To provide an international stage for stakeholders to voice ideas, express concerns, and share aspirations related to the development of the United Nations code of conduct for information integrity on digital platforms.
• Deliberation on Foundational Principles: To engage in thoughtful discussions on the nine principles and recommendations presented in the Secretary-General’s policy brief. This dialogue will play a critical role in shaping the future code of conduct.
• Encouraging Comprehensive Feedback: To solicit input on the existing principles and gather further recommendations for new principles. We also seek suggestions on effective methodologies for the implementation of the code of conduct.

Inclusive Code Development Process

The United Nations is committed to an inclusive code development process, recognizing the importance of patiently and respectfully listening to global stakeholder groups. GCRI’s role as focal point for risk mitigation through participatory mechanisms is particularly crucial given the often under-represented voices in many communities and contexts worldwide.

The online consultation serves as one of several avenues for providing feedback on the code, complementing national-level consultations led by UN Information Centres globally and a public online form open to all.

Every contribution, regardless of length or format, is a valuable piece of this collaborative puzzle. Together, let’s shape a future where digital integrity and trust are paramount.