UNESCO Warns AI Is Making Reliable Information More Important Than Ever

UNESCO Warns AI Is Making Reliable Information More Important Than Ever
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UNESCO has warned that the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence is increasing the spread of manipulated and misleading content, making universal access to reliable information increasingly important.

Marking the International Day for Universal Access to Information on September 28, UNESCO said access to accurate, trustworthy and verifiable information is a fundamental right and an important safeguard against misinformation and disinformation.

The UN agency said AI-generated content, deepfakes and coordinated online campaigns are making it harder for people to distinguish credible information from manipulated material. It called on governments, technology companies, media organizations and civil society to help protect information integrity while ensuring public access.

UNESCO also stressed that access to information supports informed decision-making, democratic participation, human rights, innovation and sustainable development, while strengthening government transparency and accountability.

The organization has called for human rights-based approaches to AI governance, greater transparency in AI systems and stronger media and information literacy. It said protecting reliable information is essential to maintaining public trust and building inclusive and resilient societies in an increasingly digital world.