Afghanistan: UNESCO guidelines for the governance of digital platforms and safeguarding freedom of expression and access to information

On 6 November 2023, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) published guidelines for the governance of social media platforms and safeguarding freedom of expression and access to information. The report emphasises the need for global collaboration and regulation of social media platforms to combat disinformation and hate speech. The guidelines list the fundamental principles that should be followed, noting that platforms must conduct human rights due diligence, adhere to international human rights standards, be transparent, make information and tools available for users and be accountable to relevant stakeholders. The listed principles advocate for the protection of freedom of expression and human rights while also allowing regulation of social media platforms.