20220222-UNDP-Information_Integrity_Forging_a_Pathway_to_Truth,_Resilience_and_Trust_24页_1mb

Summary

This report addresses the "existential risk to humanity" posed by information pollution, defined as verifiably false, misleading, or manipulated content intentionally or unintentionally disseminated online and offline. It argues for a human rights-based, comprehensive, preventive, and collaborative approach.

Key themes include:

• Problem Analysis: Information pollution erodes trust in institutions, fuels social polarization, undermines democracy, hinders informed decision-making, and disproportionately harms marginalized groups (particularly women). It challenges traditional information gatekeepers and global governance lacks cohesive frameworks.

• Guiding Principles: UNDP programs should prioritize:

  • Gender Equality: Addressing gendered impacts.
  • Human Rights: Ensuring policy doesn't violate basic rights (e.g., fighting disinformation tools).
  • Conflict Sensitivity: Avoiding Do No Harm.
  • Partnerships: Multi-stakeholder collaboration is essential.
  • Evidence-Based: Context-specific research and analysis.
  • Comprehensive: Combating pollution requires multi-level solutions (preventive & responsive).
  • Scalable: Efforts must aim for measurable impact.

• Analytical & Programme Framework: Based on environmental components (political landscape, media and internet, social landscape, legislative/oversight). Programming should (1) prioritize preventive measures over reactive ones, (2) strengthen public institutions' communication capacities, (3) improve media resilience, and (4) enhance public awareness and media literacy.

• Next Steps: Strengthen evidence-based policy creation, advocate for collaborative solutions, and adapt to the complex, rapidly evolving nature of information pollution.