Twitter owner Elon Musk has attacked the UN after the international organization called on everyone to do more against disinformation on the internet and in particular on social media.
“The UN is more likely to cause disinformation than prevent it,” Musk said in a tweet, responding to an excerpt of a speech Monday by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
In that message, António Guterres called for more action against disinformation on the internet and measures against hate speech on social media.
The head of the United Nations, after presenting the priorities, denounced that social networking platforms use algorithms that “amplify toxic ideas and push extremist opinions to the center of the debate”, a message that has been repeated in recent months.
Asked about Elon Musk’s response, António Guterres spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stressed in statements today that companies “bear responsibility” for what is published on their platforms and should therefore be held “accountable”.
“Recently, we have seen very worrying trends on social media platforms, with weather misinformation, rumors being promoted and deliberate misinformation,” explains Stéphane Dujarric.
When asked if the UN secretary-general would like to meet Musk to discuss the matter, the spokesman curtly replied “not particularly,” though he later pointed out that the UN is always willing to hold meetings.
Since Musk took over Twitter and announced changes to the social network, several United Nations officials have expressed concern that the new direction Musk wants to take involves weakening the fight against fake news and hate speech.
Source: DN
