Joint statement - combatting harmful content online

30.06.22 | Declaration
Joint statement from Canada and the Nordic Council of Ministers for Culture, reiterating their full support for combatting harmful content online, including disinformation.

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Adopted
30.06.2022
Location
Toronto, Canada

Recognizing the rapid pace and extensive scope of technological and digital developments, Canada and the Nordic Council of Ministers for Culture are reiterating their full support for combatting harmful content online, including disinformation. The COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's military aggression against Ukraine illustrate the need for credible information during times of international crisis. These events also serve as a reminder that freedom of expression and media freedom are foundational aspects of well-functioning democratic societies.

When we, Canada and the Nordic Council of Ministers for Culture, met for the Nordic Bridges celebration in Toronto, Canada, on May 19-20, 2022, we agreed to the following: 

 

We believe that sustainable and independent news media outlets play an important role in supporting democracy by providing fact-based journalism, which is critical to countering disinformation. 

We fully support efforts to combat harmful content online, and the importance of building citizen resilience to online disinformation through civic and digital media literacy.

We commit to promoting transparency and accountability of web giants for the harmful content that proliferates on their platforms, to ensure a safe and more inclusive online environment.

We recognize the importance of raising awareness of the impacts of algorithms and artificial intelligence on public discourse, including the spread of disinformation and its polarizing effects, and the need for transparency in how these systems work. 

Increasing our collective understanding of these technologies and their powerful role in shaping public perspectives is important, as only then will their societal implications be fully understood.

In an effort to build resilience to disinformation, promote diverse and pluralistic sources of news and information, and encourage understanding and tolerance between different viewpoints as part of a healthy digital ecosystem, we will continue to support international cooperation and to advance our shared values and objectives in multilateral fora.

  • Anette Trettebergstuen, Minister for Culture and Equality, Norway, and chair of the Nordic Council of Ministers for Culture, 2022
  • Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage
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