UN Warns Freedom of Expression Is Under Growing Threat

The report highlights the growing influence of major digital platforms and artificial intelligence companies, raising concerns about their impact on public discourse and democratic participation.

Freedom of expression is facing increasing pressure worldwide as governments and major technology companies gain greater control over digital spaces, according to a new warning from United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression Irene Khan.

Presenting her final report to the UN Human Rights Council, Khan argued that the right to free expression is being weakened by a combination of state power, corporate influence and rapidly advancing technologies. She said governments are using new digital tools to suppress dissent, while large technology companies increasingly shape what information people see and how public debate unfolds online.

Khan warned that freedom of expression, which should remain a fundamental human right, is becoming influenced by political and commercial interests rather than public values.

Concerns Grow Over AI, Online Harm and Corporate Power

The report highlights the growing influence of major digital platforms and artificial intelligence companies, raising concerns about their impact on public discourse and democratic participation.

Khan said the rapid development of AI technologies is creating new risks without sufficient safeguards. She pointed to the effects of online abuse against women, the potential dangers AI can pose to children, the challenges facing journalists whose work is increasingly affected by digital platforms, and the spread of misinformation and hateful content that can distort public understanding of important issues.

She also expressed concern about the concentration of power among a small number of technology firms and wealthy individuals who operate with limited oversight while exerting significant influence over information ecosystems.

According to Khan, this imbalance makes it more difficult for governments to fulfil their responsibility to protect citizens from corporate practices that may undermine human rights.

Call for Stronger Safeguards and Independent Oversight

The report also criticises governments that use laws and regulatory powers to restrict online speech, silence critics or limit peaceful protest activities. Khan said some states are increasingly relying on counter-terrorism legislation and other legal tools in ways that can restrict legitimate expression and civic participation.

She called for stronger cooperation between governments, civil society organisations, independent institutions and international partners to protect freedom of expression in the digital age.

Among the measures proposed are human rights-based regulation of digital platforms, stronger data protection rules, independent regulatory bodies and actions to address the dominance of large technology and AI companies.

While warning that information environments have been damaged by harmful online practices, Khan noted that positive examples of responsible governance and community-led initiatives are beginning to emerge. She urged the international community to support and expand these efforts as part of a broader commitment to protecting freedom of expression for future generations.