ISLAMABAD: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday adopted a Pakistan-sponsored resolution on countering disinformation for the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, the Pakistani foreign office said.
Pakistan took the initiative against the backdrop of exponential proliferation of disinformation around the world, which it said was exacerbating social discord and fanning discrimination, hate speech, stigmatization, racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia.
The Pakistani foreign office said the resolution was the outcome of broad-based and extensive consultations with all UN member states. It said consensual adoption of the resolution would contribute to promoting transparency and initiating of a concerted campaign at the United Nations (UN) to counter disinformation.
"The resolution highlights the negative impact of rapid spread of disinformation through online platforms and social media on the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms," the foreign office said in a statement.
It noted with concern that Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) had enabled creation of false or manipulated information, and dissemination of political, ideological or commercial motives at an unprecedented scale, speed and scope.
"Business enterprises, including online platforms and social media companies have been asked not to allow their platforms to be used for spreading disinformation, which leads to discrimination, incitement to hatred, hostility, violence, and polarization," the statement read.
"The resolution calls on them to adopt clear and transparent content and advertising policies on countering disinformation that are in line with international human rights law."
Islamabad said the resolution also affirmed the responsibility of states to counter disinformation that undermined promotion of peace and cooperation among countries, especially through campaigns directed against states and nations.
It welcomed efforts of the UN secretary-general to promote international cooperation to counter disinformation and his call for a “global code of conduct that promotes integrity in public information.”
"As a victim of falsehood and propaganda, Pakistan remains committed to countering the virus of disinformation. It will continue to do this through encouraging international cooperation, including under the auspices of the United Nations," the statement added.