G20 Leaders Unite Against Disinformation, Set AI Agenda

The Group of 20 leaders have agreed to join forces to combat disinformation and establish AI guidelines. The G20's first recognition of this issue calls for transparency and accountability from digital platforms. The agreement took place in Maceio, Brazil, ahead of the upcoming G20 Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

The Group of 20 leaders have committed to a collective effort to tackle disinformation and develop an agenda for artificial intelligence. This decision comes as their governments face challenges with the rapid spread of misinformation and hate speech.

Gathering in Maceio, Alagoas, ministers emphasized in a statement the necessity for digital platforms to operate transparently and adhere to relevant policies and legal frameworks. This marks the first instance in G20 history where the issue of disinformation has been formally acknowledged, according to João Brant, secretary for digital policy at the Brazilian presidency.

Additionally, G20 leaders agreed to establish ethical, transparent, and accountable AI guidelines, ensuring human oversight and compliance with privacy and human rights laws. Renata Mielli, adviser to Brazil's ministry of science, technology and innovation, expressed hope for the inclusion of these measures in the leaders' declaration, noting some disputes among countries like China and the United States but emphasizing a consensus for collaboration on AI development.

(With inputs from agencies.)