To all communities, and in particular high-risk groups and preventing the spread, and combating, mis- and disinformation while respecting freedom of expression. We call on Member States to develop and implement action plans to manage the infodemic by promoting the timely dissemination of accurate information, based on science and evidence, To manage the infodemic, and for a coordinated approach among states, multi-lateral organizations, civil society and all other actors who have a clear role and responsibility in combatting mis- and disinformation. At the same time, as the pandemic continues to create uncertainty and anxiety, there is an urgent need for stronger action The UN system and civil society organizations are using their collective expertise and knowledge to respond to the infodemic. Sphere, work to prevent harmful cyber activities undermining the health response and support the provision of science-based data to the public. The Resolution also calls on international organizations to address mis- and disinformation in the digital To provide reliable COVID-19 content, take measures to counter mis- and disinformation and leverage digital technologies across the response. The Resolution recognizes that managing the infodemic is a critical part of controlling the COVID-19 pandemic: it calls on Member States The UN also issued a Guidance Note on Addressing and Countering COVID-19 relatedĪt the World Health Assembly in May 2020, WHO Member States passed Resolution WHA73.1 on the COVID-19 response.
In this context, the UN Secretary- General launched the United Nations Communications Response initiative to combat the spread of mis- and disinformation in April 2020. Without the appropriate trust and correct information, diagnostic tests go unused, immunization campaigns (or campaigns to promote effective vaccines) will not meet their targets, and the virus will continue to thrive.įurthermore, disinformation is polarizing public debate on topics related to COVID-19 amplifying hate speech heightening the risk of conflict, violence and human rights violations and threatening long-terms prospects for advancing democracy, human Mis- and disinformationĬan be harmful to people’s physical and mental health increase stigmatization threaten precious health gains and lead to poor observance of public health measures, thus reducing their effectiveness and endangering countries’ ability
It includes deliberate attempts to disseminate wrong information to undermine the public health response and advance alternative agendas of groups or individuals.
Keep connected and informed is enabling and amplifying an infodemic that continues to undermine the global response and jeopardizes measures to control the pandemic.Īn infodemic is an overabundance of information, both online and offline. The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is the first pandemic in history in which technology and social media are being used on a massive scale to keep people safe, informed, productive and connected. At the same time, the technology we rely on to