Championing truth in a digital world

Image © Mike Parolini

Today, safe ways to communicate in the digital sphere, and how trustworthy information is obtained online is starting to be of increasing importance. This is because misinformation, artificial intelligence, algorithmic manipulation, and hate speech are widespread.

The International Panel on the Information Environment (IPIE) provides scientific knowledge on threats to the information environment.  At this year’s UN General Assembly, IPIE hosted two events to connect research scientists, delegates, policy makers and civil society, addressing the pressing need for information integrity.

The first event, Truth, Trust, and Hope in the Global Information Environment took place on September 21, 2024, at the UN Headquarters in New York City. Experts including Professor Wendy Hui Kyong Chun and Professor Klaus Bruhn Jensen shared findings on AI transparency and how climate misinformation can erode public trust. They spoke to the promising potential of auditing AI to prevent the spread of false narratives and deepfakes”.

The second event, Trust and Resilience in the Global Information Environment, was held at the CUNY Graduate Center on September 24. This event focused on announcing new findings from the IPIE’s latest survey of experts on the Global Information Environment, which highlighted the need for data transparency to better understand challenges posed by AI and social media. The event included experts from the IPIE, SafeOnline, UNDP, and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The IPIE also announced new research panels on two important issues: child protection and social media, led by Dr. Selcan Kaynak; and AI and peacebuilding, led by Professor Fredrick Ogenga. While these are both significant tasks and involve a wide range of actors, the IPIE is confident that change is possible. “We are at a crucial moment for society and the global information environment,” said IPIE President, Professor Philip Howard. “With global cooperation, we can prevent information technologies from degrading our ability to solve collective problems. Information integrity is essential for defending all other rights.”

To learn more about IPIE initiatives, visit ipie.info. This work forms part of Oak Foundation’s International Human Rights Programme, which believes that everyone has a right to reliable, trustworthy, and accurate information. To learn more about the programme, read our strategy paper here.