Twenty years ago, misinformation spread slowly through word of mouth, mistaken newspaper headlines, or simple text messages, making it relatively local and easier to correct. Today, misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech have evolved into powerful tools that can divide communities. Viral content is often harmful, and artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping local and global narratives. The UN Global Risk Report 2024 identifies mis- and disinformation as the third most serious global risk, based on input from over 1,000 experts across 130 countries.
Safer Internet Day emphasizes that Internet safety is a shared responsibility. The UN is working with communities, policymakers, and partners to adapt to the changing digital landscape, ensuring that the Internet remains a space with protective guardrails. Efforts include drafting policies with national governments, educating communities, and ensuring no one becomes a victim or unintentional perpetrator of online disinformation.
Research by UNESCO and IPSOS found that 67 percent of Internet users across 16 countries have witnessed hate speech online, with the figure rising to 74 percent for those under 35. With over six billion people online, everyone has a role in making digital spaces safer, especially for women, children, and marginalized groups. Early education is critical, and programs in Peru and Sri Lanka have equipped thousands of students, teachers, and parents with media literacy skills to recognize and respond to hate speech and misinformation.
Journalists, content creators, and tech companies are essential allies in ensuring information integrity. Surveys show that over 60 percent of content creators do not consistently fact-check their information. In response, UN initiatives in Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, and Kenya have trained journalists, youth, and media organizations in ethical reporting, fact-checking, and addressing misinformation, including AI-driven content. Kenya, for example, developed a consortium with private sector partners to track and prevent the spread of false information.
Creating spaces for dialogue and solidarity, both online and offline, is another key strategy. In Serbia, the UN’s Tolerance Campaign used public art and youth engagement to promote inclusion and counter digital violence. Efforts to raise awareness about tech-based violence against women and children are also underway. Projects like Bangladesh’s “Safetyforher.Net” and initiatives in Thailand and the Solomon Islands have educated hundreds of thousands of people on online safety, cyberbullying, and preventing harassment.
Finally, strong policies are needed to complement grassroots action. Ghana illustrates this approach by combining practical initiatives, such as the National Cybersecurity Challenge for youth, with high-level commitments like signing the UN Convention against Cybercrime. Such frameworks enable coordinated action, sustained commitment, and cross-border cooperation to combat cyber threats.
Ultimately, creating a safer Internet requires awareness, education, and engagement at all levels. By recognizing misinformation, reporting hate speech, and learning about tech-based violence, users can help ensure the digital world remains a safer and more inclusive space for everyone.
