Musk attacks the UN for its calls to combat disinformation on the internet

The owner of Twitter, Elon Musk, attacked the UN after the international organization has called on everyone to do more to combat disinformation on the internet and, in particular, on social networks.

“It is more likely that the UN causes misinformation, rather than preventing it”, Musk said in a message on Twitter in response to an excerpt from a speech delivered on Monday by António Guterres, the United Nations secretary general.

In it, Guterres He called for more action against disinformation on the Internet and measures against hate speech on the networks.

The head of the organization, who made an extensive presentation of his priorities for the year before the General Assembly, denounced that social media platforms use algorithms that “amplify toxic ideas and direct extremist opinions” to the center of the debate, a message that he has repeated several times in recent months.

Asked about the reaction of Muskthe spokesperson for Guterres, Stephane Dujarricstressed this Tuesday that companies “They have responsibility for what is posted on their platforms and should be held accountable.”

“We have recently seen very worrying trends on social media platforms, with misinformation about the weather, promoting hoaxes and deliberate misinformation.Dujarric said.

Asked if the secretary general would like to meet with the tycoon to address this issue, the spokesman responded with a brief “not particularly”although he later pointed out that the UN is always willing to hold meetings.

Since Musk took over Twitter and announced changes to the social network, several United Nations officials have expressed concern that the new course that Musk wants to set implies weakening the fight against false news and the speeches of hate.

Source: EFE