The European Union has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) and digital platforms are increasingly driving racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance through misinformation, exclusionary narratives and algorithmic bias.
Speaking during an interactive dialogue at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly’s Third Committee on Monday, the EU said reports presented by UN experts pointed to a clear trend of digital technologies being used in ways that amplify discrimination online.
“The three reports presented highlight a clear trend: digital spaces and artificial intelligence are drivers of discrimination, including through misinformation, exclusionary narrative, and algorithm engineering,” the EU said in a statement delivered on behalf of its member states.
The bloc expressed concern over what it described as the resurgence of extremist ideologies and the growing role of digital technologies in spreading hate and discriminatory content.
It said online platforms needed to do more to prevent the amplification of harmful content, and stressed that AI systems should be developed and deployed in a transparent, human-centred manner that respects international human rights standards.
The EU called for stronger efforts to address algorithmic bias, arguing that safeguards must be built into AI systems from the outset to prevent discrimination and ensure the protection of fundamental rights.
The bloc also noted the importance of digital literacy and public education, saying citizens needed the skills to understand and critically engage with rapidly evolving technologies.
The intervention formed part of discussions on the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, a landmark international framework adopted at the 2001 World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance in Durban, South Africa.
The declaration and its accompanying programme of action established a comprehensive roadmap for combating racism, discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance at national, regional and international levels.
It called on governments, international organisations and civil society to strengthen laws, policies, education programmes and other measures aimed at eliminating racial discrimination and promoting equality.
Twenty-five years after its adoption, the framework continues to guide international efforts to address both traditional and emerging forms of racism, including those arising in digital environments.
The EU reaffirmed its commitment to combating racism, antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred, anti-Christian hatred and other forms of intolerance, both online and offline, while stressing that measures to tackle discrimination must remain consistent with international human rights law, including protections for freedom of expression, privacy and non-discrimination.
The bloc also reiterated its support for the effective implementation of existing international human rights instruments, particularly the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
It, however, rejected calls for new legal instruments or additional protocols under the convention, arguing that the existing framework remains capable of addressing contemporary challenges, including those posed by advances in artificial intelligence and digital technologies.
According to the EU, the priority should be the full implementation of existing commitments rather than the creation of new international norms, which it said could risk fragmenting the current human rights architecture.
JN/APA