Information

““Information that lacks substance is toxic and poisonous.”.” W. D'.

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For over half a century, scientific narrative has invested public opinion with paradigms like the conquest of the Moon, a symbol of technical progress and rational dominion over the cosmos. And yet, science —   is neither infallible nor definitive. It remains bound to its own observational and interpretive models, subject to revisions and corrections. From here arises the crucial question: if science is not ultimate truth, from whom can we receive information that orients us?   The etymology of the word "science" — to know, to understand through direct experience — fulfills A.E.'s statement Learning is experience. Everything else is just information (A. Einstein)

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​Information in the Digital Age

In recent decades, rapid technological transformations have radically changed how people interact, communicate, and access information about the world. Today, individuals hold the entirety of human knowledge in the palm of their hand, and news and information can bounce across the globe in seconds—though concerns about journalistic and media objectivity remain ever-present.

Opportunities and Risks

New and vast opportunities have emerged to educate, inform, and organize. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, technology played a crucial role in ensuring continued access to vital information—not only about health, but also education, work, and more. However, these dramatic shifts have also brought negative consequences, including the accelerated spread of misinformation, disinformation, and even hate speech. Once again, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted this issue, as public health measures were widely debated and misinformation made their implementation more difficult.

What Is Disinformation?

While misinformation refers to the accidental spread of inaccurate information, disinformation is not only false but deliberately deceptive and intended to cause harm. It can be spread by state or non-state actors and may affect a wide range of human rights, undermining public policy responses or amplifying tensions during emergencies or armed conflict. There is no universally accepted definition of disinformation, as concerns may arise in diverse contexts—such as elections, public health, warfare, or climate change.

A Human Rights-Based Response

Both the UN General Assembly and the Human Rights Council have called for responses to disinformation that promote and protect—not violate—freedom of expression and the right to seek, receive, and impart information, as enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 19(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Freedom of expression includes critical speech, satire, parody, humor, and even misinterpretations of facts or events. Such speech must not be unduly restricted under the guise of combating disinformation. As noted in UN report A/77/287:

“Approaches that seek simple solutions to this complex problem risk censoring legitimate speech protected under international human rights law. Overbroad restrictions may worsen societal issues and increase public distrust rather than resolve underlying problems.”

Maximizing Access, Promoting Literacy, and Partnering with Companies

Rather than imposing restrictions, states are encouraged to promote free and independent media, maximize transparency, and ensure access to information to build trust in institutions and governance. Public participation and meaningful dialogue should be supported at all levels.

Some countries have launched digital and media literacy programs to foster resilient and informed online engagement. These initiatives help develop critical thinking skills that empower people to identify and debunk disinformation.

States should also invest in tools that support independent fact-checking, involving journalists and civil society.

In line with theUN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, states should encourage companies to:

• Conduct human rights due diligence

• Increase transparency around disinformation policies

• Engage with civil society and researchers

• Provide users with greater control over their online experiences

Combating the Worst Forms of Disinformation

Restrictions on freedom of expression are only permissible in exceptional cases. They must be lawful, necessary to protect individual rights or national security, and proportionate. They must not be used to suppress legitimate speech.

States must hold accountable those who incite national, racial, or religious hatred. Article 20(2) of the Covenant prohibits propaganda for war or advocacy of hatred that incites discrimination, hostility, or violence.

Key Recommendations for States

1. Protect, respect, and promote freedom of expression and media pluralism

2. Avoid vague regulations and disproportionate penalties

3. Refrain from internet shutdowns or blocking outlets

4. Ensure public officials share accurate information

5. Engage civil society in policy-making

Key Recommendations for Tech Companies

1. Avoid contributing to human rights harm and address negative impacts

2. Disclose policies and practices on disinformation

3. Review business models to align with human rights

4. Ensure transparency and access to relevant data

5. Provide consistent content moderation across regions and languages