The control of online communication: a threat to media pluralism, freedom of information and human dignity

Motion for a resolution | Doc. 15041 | 27 January 2020

Signatories:

Mr Frédéric REISS, France, EPP/CD ; Ms Petra BAYR, Austria, SOC ; Mr José CEPEDA, Spain, SOC ; Mr Boriss CILEVIČS, Latvia, SOC ; Mr Yunus EMRE, Turkey, SOC ; Lord George FOULKES, United Kingdom, SOC ; Mr Carlos Alberto GONÇALVES, Portugal, EPP/CD ; Ms Shpresa HADRI, North Macedonia, SOC ; Mr Domagoj HAJDUKOVIĆ, Croatia, SOC ; Mr Hovhannes IGITYAN, Armenia, ALDE ; Mr Norbert KLEINWÄCHTER, Germany, EC/DA ; Mr Haluk KOÇ, Turkey, SOC ; Mr Alvise MANIERO, Italy, NR ; Mr Simon MOUTQUIN, Belgium, SOC ; Mr Žarko OBRADOVIĆ, Serbia, SOC ; Ms Foteini PIPILI, Greece, EPP/CD ; Mr Roberto RAMPI, Italy, SOC ; Mr Alberto RIBOLLA, Italy, EC/DA ; Mr Theodoros ROUSOPOULOS, Greece, EPP/CD ; Mr Stefan SCHENNACH, Austria, SOC ; Mr Alexandros TRIANTAFYLLIDIS, Greece, UEL

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only those who have signed it.

Technological development has a great impact on online communication. Increasingly complex algorithms carry out internet searches, automated distribution of content via social media, the identification of potentially illegal content, automated verification of (false) information published online and targeted advertising. The move is now towards the creation of content by artificial intelligence and its ability to interact with humans.

Artificial intelligence offers us great opportunities. The risk exists, however, that artificial intelligence becomes an instrument of control of information, knowledge, the formation of individual and collective opinions and finally, as the “Declaration by the Committee of Ministers on the manipulative capabilities of algorithmic processes” indicates, of our thoughts, emotions and actions. This risk is rising with a growing concentration of technological and economic powers in the hands of a handful of large internet companies that can shape the online information flows.

The Parliamentary Assembly must contribute to the ongoing reflection in the Council of Europe and take position on the measures that member States should consider to ensure real pluralism of online information, guarantee the freedom of access of users to a diversity of sources and safeguard the dignity of any person.