UN chief proposes code to tackle 'grave' misinformation

Rapidly advancing AI tools, including chatbots, image generators and voice cloning technology, have sparked global concern over their striking ability to disseminate falsehoods.

Guterres said that while alarm bells over AI were "deafening," they must not "distract us from the damage digital technology is already doing to our world."

"The proliferation of hate and lies in the digital space is causing grave global harm now," Guterres told a news conference while presenting a policy brief on the subject.

"It is fueling conflict, death and destruction now. It is threatening democracy and human rights now."

Guterres called for the development of a "United Nations Code of Conduct for information integrity on digital platforms."

While unleashing social and cultural transformation globally, the online platforms have also "exposed a darker side," he warned.

"The ability to disseminate large-scale disinformation to undermine scientifically established facts poses an existential risk to humanity," he insisted, referring to their risk to democratic institutions and human rights.

"These risks have further intensified because of rapid advancements in technology, such as generative artificial intelligence."

He said that the code of conduct should be based on a commitment to information integrity, human rights and support for independent media.

"We must learn from the mistakes of the past. Digital platforms were launched into the world without sufficient awareness or assessment of the potential damage to societies and individuals," Guterres said.

"The era of Silicon Valley's 'move fast and break things' philosophy must be brought to a close."