Safeguarding democracy by combatting hate speech and disinformation

In the last decade, hatred and misinformation on social media have contributed to violence across the world. When the UN Secretary-General launched his Plan of Action on Hate Speech in 2019, he said “public discourse is being weaponized for political gain with incendiary rhetoric that stigmatizes and dehumanizes…”. In Sri Lanka for example, a mounting campaign of disinformation led to the Digana anti-Muslim riots of 2018 resulting in at least three deaths, over 20 injuries, and the destruction of around 50 homes and businesses. Facebook issued a statement apologizing for its role in fueling the violence.

According to the UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, 70% of social media hate victims globally are minorities. In Sri Lanka according to UN data, 51% of harmful speech online last year targeted women and 24% minorities. Through collaboration with tech companies and active efforts of local organizations, targeted online campaigns against minorities have decreased since 2021 — an encouraging trend. However, anti-Christian, anti-Muslim and anti-Hindu sentiments persist alongside harmful speech targeting women, especially those occupying public functions or those speaking up publicly. Furthermore, events such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Gaza have led to spikes in harmful speech online targeting specific communities, notably Muslims.

While recent elections in Sri Lanka have been free of major violence and are considered free and fair, they remain a strong vehicle for hate speech and disinformation which has led to tensions, and at times violence. The nation’s history serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of weaponizing hate speech and disinformation leading up to and during elections. Resort to hate speech and disinformation tends to be higher when elections are more contested especially when those elections evolve in a context of increased poverty levels and real or perceived hardships or grievances, notably related to corruption, rule of law, truth and reconciliation.

Misuse of information deepens societal divide and hate speech creates an environment that encourages self-censorship, fosters uncertainty and instability. Sri Lanka cannot afford this. In addressing this complex challenge, the solution lies not in restricting free speech, but rather in nurturing information accessibility, transparency and responsible discourse. Doing so effectively requires a comprehensive approach.

First and foremost, transparency is a pivotal factor. Government institutions must cultivate an environment of open communication, actively disseminating information and engaging in dialogue with the public. This not only builds trust but also empowers citizens to hold their elected representatives accountable. It also creates better and more effective laws and policies. Empowering individuals and communities is key. Public education initiatives can impart citizens with the skills needed to critically evaluate information, identify and debunk disinformation, and engage in respectful communication. This empowerment cultivates responsible online citizenship and strengthens social cohesion.

The Election Commission plays a significant role in this process. Concerns arise regarding the enforcement of campaign finance laws when advertising is conducted via social media platforms. The potential use of deep fakes during elections to disseminate electoral disinformation and hate speech further exacerbates these concerns. Identifying these trends and challenges in advance and enhancing the Commission’s capacity to respond  effectively safeguards democracy and peace.

By fostering a culture of responsible communication within the political sphere, we can contribute to fair and constructive electoral processes that prioritize the public’s right to accurate and unbiased information. In tandem, political parties and candidates may choose to adopt a voluntary code of ethics, urging their contestants to refrain from using hate speech and disinformation in campaigns.

Recognizing the pivotal role of media ethics, we can’t emphasize enough the responsibility of editors and journalists in countering electoral disinformation and hate speech. By upholding the principles of accuracy, impartiality and fairness, journalists can play a crucial role in shaping public discourse and safeguarding the democratic process. Media houses and social media platforms, through self-regulation, coupled with public awareness campaigns, can promote the responsible use of communication channels, and discourage the dissemination of hate speech and disinformation. This strategy encourages a culture of responsible dialogue and self-awareness in reporting, safeguarding free speech against misuse.

The private sector can play a key role in fostering inclusive workplace cultures to encourage different viewpoints, promoting ethical advertising practices and refrain from funding or promoting content that propagates hate speech and misinformation, supporting media literacy programs and investing in tech to educate citizens to critically engage with information. Tech companies in partnership with local civil society need to have increased capacity to flag and remove misinformation and harmful content quickly which requires more resources, especially during elections, capable of moderating in local languages. We applaud those companies who signed the voluntary code of conduct through the Asia Internet Coalition and encourage those who have not to join the effort.

Recognizing the delicate balance between preserving free speech and shielding individuals and communities from harmful content is crucial. Self-regulation and awareness is more effective than resorting to restrictive laws. They often remain difficult to implement and open to arbitrary enforcement targeting communities and those with opposing opinions, which only fosters more resentment. Prioritizing open access to information, fostering transparency and empowering citizens can create an environment where free speech thrives without succumbing to the corrosive influences of hate speech and disinformation. This collective effort necessitates a broad societal commitment. The United Nations stand ready to support this effort, building on the analysis and accompaniment it has provided so far to local organizations.

The impending elections provide an opportunity for the country. Let us choose words that construct bridges, not walls, and ensure a truly informed and empowered electorate.