UNESCO offers recommendations for regulation and national policies on AI

In an interview with the G20 website, Tawfik Jelassi, director of UNESCO, discussed media freedom, information literacy, the safety of journalists, and tackling disinformation with the initiative “Internet for Trust.” He also addresses digital transformation, artificial intelligence ethics, and the inclusion of indigenous languages and people living with disabilities in the digital space.

Misinformation is a major challenge today. How is UNESCO dealing with this?

Tawfik Jelassi: One of the major themes UNESCO has been addressing is combating disinformation and hate speech. UNESCO has launched the “Internet for Trust” initiative to ensure the Internet is a trustworthy environment. This initiative addresses problems such as the spread of disinformation and so-called deep fakes, which are becoming more widespread with the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). There is an essential distinction between disinformation and misinformation. Disinformation occurs when there is a deliberate intention to spread lies, while misinformation is when inaccurate information is shared without the intention of misleading. Both must be tackled, especially when they affect critical issues such as climate change, a central topic in the G20 discussions.

UNESCO has also been working on ethical issues related to Artificial Intelligence. What are the advances in this area?

Tawfik Jelassi: UNESCO started working on ethics related to AI long before the current debates accelerated by technologies such as ChatGPT. In 2018, UNESCO approved the first global normative instrument on ethics in AI. This recommendation, now supported by 194 member countries, guides the responsible use of AI in various sectors. Today, we are supporting more than 60 countries in implementing this recommendation. In addition, we provide a “toolbox” to help countries assess their level of readiness for the ethical application of AI. This practical approach is essential to ensure that the document doesn't just remain on paper but is implemented.

How is digital transformation impacting UNESCO's work?

Tawfik Jelassi: Digital transformation is a highly relevant topic for UNESCO and the G20. It is not limited to the digitization of documents but involves reformulating entire processes. For example, telemedicine is reshaping medical practice in healthcare, and teachers need to rethink their teaching methodologies in education. In addition, digital transformation also affects governments and the private sector, which need to adapt their operations to ensure broad and effective access to information. UNESCO is leading this process by providing tools and regulatory frameworks to assist governments and organizations in adapting to the new digital reality.

You mentioned the importance of the digital transformation in public services. Could you tell us more about this transformation?

Tawfik Jelassi: Digital transformation is more than just digitizing documents or particular processes, such as issuing passports. It's about ensuring that all public services are accessible through digital platforms, such as apps so that citizens can interact with the government at any time. The goal is to reduce the need to visit public offices in person and offer a permanent portal for accessing these services. 

Do you believe we are moving towards this digital transformation, or are we just digitizing documents?

Tawfik Jelassi: When I talk to political or business leaders, there is often some confusion between the digitization of documents and digital transformation. True digital transformation goes beyond simply converting physical documents into digital ones. It's a complete restructuring of administrative processes so that they work in an integrated and digital manner. Leaders need to ask themselves at what stage they are in this process: digitizing documents, transforming some processes, or restructuring everything digitally.

Regarding accessibility, there are many challenges, especially for communities that use sign languages, such as the Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) in Brasil. How are the G20 and UNESCO dealing with this issue?

Tawfik Jelassi: UNESCO considers that accessibility is a fundamental matter. Currently, around 120 to 130 languages are available in the digital environment, but we know that around 8,000 languages are spoken worldwide. There is a huge deficit in access to digital content, especially for communities that use minority languages or Sign Languages. It is essential to ensure that the content of sign languages, such as Libras, is available in accessible formats. UNESCO has been working with governments to promote digital inclusion and reduce the digital gap.

What are UNESCO's efforts to support indigenous and other minority languages in the digital space?

Tawfik Jelassi: UNESCO recently launched the World Atlas of Languages, a tool that maps the languages spoken in the world, including indigenous languages. Moreover, we're in the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032), a United Nations initiative to empower these languages, including in the digital environment. I recently met with the Brazilian Minister for Indigenous Peoples, Sonia Guajajara, to discuss the empowerment of indigenous languages in Brasil. The digital inclusion of these communities is an essential step for cultural preservation and socioeconomic development.

And what about including people living with disabilities in the digital space?

Tawfik Jelassi: Digital inclusion goes far beyond access to technology. It is about ensuring that the content is available in formats that are accessible to everyone, including people living with disabilities. UNESCO considers this a human rights issue. Not having the content available in accessible formats is unacceptable. We work to ensure that technology is open and accessible, promoting full inclusion in the digital space.

Could you share any remarkable experiences on the impact of digital inclusion?

Tawfik Jelassi: One of the most remarkable experiences of my career was when, as a minister in Tunisia, I connected a remote village to the internet for the first time. The young people cried excitedly when they finally had access to the internet, something they had only heard about. The connection transformed their lives, allowing them access to education and other services. This kind of transformation is what we seek with digital inclusion.

You mentioned the expansion of digital connectivity, but I would like to address the issue of the quality of information circulating on the internet. Content producers and journalists are often threatened, especially in news deserts. How does UNESCO intend to promote journalists' safety and guarantee information quality?

Tawfik Jelassi: For the last 30 years, UNESCO has been dedicated to developing policies that promote freedom of expression and the safety of journalists. We are the United Nations' lead agency in implementing the plan for the safety of journalists and combating impunity. We have an observatory that monitors crimes against press professionals to collect statistics and monitor the judicial progress of these crimes. The safety of journalists is closely linked to the fight against impunity. We also highlight the importance of journalism and freedom of expression for society. 

Regarding the quality of information in the digital environment, last year, UNESCO launched guidelines on the governance and regulation of digital platforms, addressing the role of journalism and other content producers. The current challenge is strengthening journalists in this new digital ecosystem where everyone can publish. UNESCO offers training and promotes the fight against problems such as cyberbullying, disinformation, and hate speech.

With the rise of digital platforms and the closure of traditional media channels, how do the G20 and UNESCO see regulating these platforms to ensure the sustainability of journalism?

Tawfik Jelassi: This is a central theme. UNESCO has been conducting studies to map the flow of advertisements that once went to traditional media and now focus on two major platforms: Google and Meta. We created the media economic viability program, which proposes recommendations to reverse this process, including discussions on taxes that could generate revenue for journalism. Concerning regulating digital platforms, UNESCO proposes guidelines that governments can adopt. We do not have regulatory power, but we provide recommendations that can be transformed into national policies. Our approach is similar to the laws on access to public information, which we have helped implement in more than 130 countries.

How does UNESCO perceive the use of technology to reduce socio-economic inequalities, especially in public schools in developing countries?

Tawfik Jelassi: Technology offers economic opportunities that can help reduce inequalities. It allows even individuals in remote locations to access global markets at the click of a button. I often use Mark Zuckerberg as an example. He started Facebook as a data repository for his Harvard classmates, and today, his company is worth trillions. Another example is Jeff Bezos, who started selling books online and now runs Amazon, a giant global company. Technology can drive countries and entrepreneurs to overcome stages and develop more quickly, creating new job opportunities and reducing inequalities.

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