The interplay of populism and technology is a global phenomenon, coming against a backdrop of outdated election laws and mechanisms, that has led to a rise in misinformation, ‘fake news’ and hate speech, especially online.
Over the last few years, URG has engaged with governments and social media companies (including Facebook) in the context of UN policies to combat religious intolerance and hate speech. Through roundtables and discussions, URG works with interested States, companies, UN experts (e.g. Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression), and NGOs to consider, develop and share workable policy solutions to this growing – and so far unaddressed – threat to liberal democracy, and to democratic transitions. In doing so, URG seeks to recognise the seriousness of the challenge posed by online hate speech and fake news, yet also defending freedom of expression and opinion.
