Arria Meeting on “Addressing and Countering Hate Speech and Preventing Incitement to Discrimination Hostility and Violence on Social Media”

28 October 2021; 1500 hrs (EST)

INDIA STATEMENT

By

Mr. Pratik Mathur

Counsellor

At the very outset, we would like to thank Kenya for organizing this meeting and to all the briefers for sharing their valuable insights.

Mr. President

The level of inter-connectedness of the world today is perhaps at the highest level in the human history. Information and communication technologies have played a major part in bringing societies closer and transforming the world into a ‘global family’. The COVID-19 pandemic has further increased the impact of the technology on human life.

The increasing use of information and communication technologies has accelerated economic development, improved service delivery to citizens, and generated greater social awareness and placed information and knowledge directly in the hands of individuals.

But as true in most cases, there is also a flip side to the advancement of modern technologies. That is their likely misuse to disturb peace, incite violence and disrupt social harmony.

Mr. President

New media, especially social media, has emerged as a platform increasingly being used by various actors, including terrorists, for amplifying discriminatory ideas and promoting violent radicalization. Coupled with the adverse effects of the pandemic, the challenge of ‘infodemic’ has given rise to hate speech and seeded hatred within communities.

Last year in June, India along with 12 likeminded countries co-sponsored the Cross-Regional Statement on “Infodemic” in the context of COVID-19 –a first of its kind statement by UN Member States aimed at countering the increase in hate speech and misinformation during the pandemic.

We remain resolute in our belief that the only way to counter hate speech and prevent incitement to discrimination is to promote an environment that guarantees pluralism, democracy and freedom.

The legitimate exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression can play an important and positive role in strengthening democracy, promoting pluralism and combating intolerance.

Mr. President

We are witnessing a sophisticated use of modern technologies by terrorists around the world to broaden their appeal, spread virulent propaganda, incite hatred and violence, recruit youth and raise funds.

Emergence of new payment methods and employing latest technology enables terrorist entities to collect and transfer funds evading monitoring and enforcement structures. These methods include prepaid phone cards, online payment services and virtual money that is exchanged in the form of gold, silver and other metals and most recently, mobile phone payments.

In recent times, several examples of terrorists using New Payment Methods like digital currencies (bitcoins), SVC (stored value cards) and mobile payments have come to notice. Prepaid cards are frequently used as an alternative to cash. They can easily be obtained with complete anonymity and easily transported.

Further, digital platforms also allow for the collection of funds for terrorist activities through crowdfunding. The method poses serious challenges in terms of diversion of funds from the stated project, difficulty in verification of true recipients and contributors.

Terrorists are also using social media extensively for planning and executing their terror attacks and wreaking havoc. Given our experience in counter terrorism operations, India has always underlined the need for Member States to address and tackle the implications of terrorist exploitation of the cyber domain more strategically.

Mr. President

The private sector, particularly technology companies, have a critical role to play in checking and countering the misuse of modern tech platforms including social media. In this regard, private entities need to implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in order to counter hate speech and prevent incitement of hostility and violence.

The cases of malicious use of modern technologies to the detriment of our societies are increasing and there should be a collective condemnation and rejection of these violations.

Member States that willfully allow their territory to be used for committing internationally wrongful acts using ICTs including cross border cybercrime and cyber terrorism need to be called out.

To conclude, it is our considered submission that fighting the menace of hate speech and violence on social media cannot be driven by a member state all alone, especially in this day and age, when social media transcends national boundaries. It requires a sincere, committed and collective effort on the part of the entire international community and we hope that today’s discussions contribute towards strengthening that cause.

I thank you Mr. President.