Freedom of Expression Monitors Issue Joint Declaration on ‘Fake News’, Disinformation and Propaganda
Geneva/Vienna (3 March 2017) – Leading monitors of freedom of expression around the world have come together to issue a
Joint Declaration, focusing this year on so-called fake news, disinformation and propaganda.
The action was taken by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of opinion and expression, David Kaye, along
with his counterparts from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the Organization of American
States (OAS), and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).
Mr Kaye says: “Fake news” has emerged as a global topic of concern and there is a risk that efforts to counter it could
lead to censorship, the suppression of critical thinking and other approaches contrary to human rights law. In this
Joint Declaration, we identify general principles that should apply to any efforts to deal with these issues.”
The Declaration identifies the applicable human rights standards, encourages the promotion of diversity and plurality in
the media, and emphasizes the particular roles played by digital intermediaries as well as journalists and media
outlets.
ENDS