COMMENT BLOG
A remark, a critique, an opinion…
What makes for exemplary war photojournalism?
Nii Obodai, Africa jury chair for the 2024 World Press Photo Contest recognizing the world’s best photojournalism, seeks photography that “shift[s] from hard visualization of violence to a more nuanced approach that empowers viewers towards reaching greater...
Where is the money? How international development is failing democratic communication
In 2016, widespread misinformation fueled hate-filled public debate in the United Kingdon and was a major contributor to the outcome of the Brexit referendum. Since then, the country’s decision to leave the European Union has had very negative economic consequences,...
Turning point for Big Tech?
Apple has been fined €1.8bn by the European Commission for breaking competition laws over music streaming. The EU Competition Commissioner said that Apple had restricted “developers from informing consumers about alternative, cheaper music services available outside...
The weaponization of digital communications
Three years after the Myanmar military seized power in a violent coup, the junta is still carrying out brutal attacks against those resisting its authority. It also uses Internet shutdowns, surveillance, and disappearances to hide its atrocities and to maintain its...
Eroding communication rights top list of global risks in 2024 and beyond
Videos of Elon Musk promoting dubious investments. Popular news anchors advertising all manner of products. Seemingly plausible news articles bearing bylines of known journalists. Welcome to the world of AI-enabled misinformation and disinformation that has rapidly...
The Algorithm Rules – That’s Not OK!
In Britain over 20 years ago a large group of local postmasters were prosecuted for fraud. Many were convicted, some jailed, most lost jobs and incomes. Why? Because the Horizon computer system, used to manage their financial accounts was thought incapable of error....
The Economics of Freedom of Expression
Substack is the latest digital communication platform to set off a freedom of expression debate after the co-founder Hamish McKenzie stated that the platform would not demonetize those posting extremist content on the newsletter platform — namely Nazi and white...
What price compassionate communication?
There is no escaping the bitter irony of celebrating a child born in Bethlehem – north-east of the Gaza Strip – and the sickening deaths of more than 6,600 children in Gaza itself since 7 October 2023. Thousands more are missing under the rubble. The UN...
Fact check, yes. And join a community of trust.
A recent webinar co-organized by WACC and the World Council of Churches on the churches’ role in misinformation and disinformation highlighted the dilemmas all of us face to effectively challenge lies online, whether deliberately created or inadvertently shared....
Celebrating the Universal Declaration, condemning attacks on media freedom
On December 10, 2023 the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) will be 75 years old. As a benchmark of democracy, we rightly celebrate observance of its Article 19 on freedom of opinion and expression and the right to seek, receive, and impart information....
Regulating digital corporations: A matter of rights
Regulation of digital media may be understood as a means for expanding the space for freedom of expression. There is however a spectrum of reasons for opposition to such regulation, from concerns about potential for abuse by authoritarian States to global big tech’s...
COP 28: Let’s ensure traditional ecological knowledge is integrated into climate policy
Indigenous leaders from around the world gathered in New York last month during UN Climate Week to raise awareness about the need to bring Indigenous and traditional perspectives into climate policy. Their call is to recognize the vital role that these communities,...
PHOTO CREDIT: Paul Jeffrey/ACT Alliance