UN expert calls for action against digital spread of denialism

Artificial intelligence and social media are increasing the reach and scale of denialist narratives, according to UN Special Rapporteur Bernard Duhaime. Speaking to the UN Human Rights Council, Duhaime warned that denial of genocide and other crimes against humanity is becoming increasingly visible in political discourse.

Presenting his report to the Council’s 47 member states, Duhaime pointed to a recent wave of denialist statements by government officials, politicians and other actors. He said AI-driven content generation and algorithmic amplification are intensifying the spread of such narratives.

Duhaime called on governments to remain vigilant and counter efforts to glorify perpetrators of crimes against humanity. At the same time, he warned that legislation addressing denialism should not become a means of restricting legitimate expression or imposing a single narrative.

The Special Rapporteur also highlighted the role of digital technologies in increasing the scope and reach of denialist content. He said AI-generated misinformation can contribute to polarisation, hatred and social instability, and called for human rights standards, accountability and the rule of law to remain central to the digital environment.

Duhaime also stressed that freedom of expression, education, access to knowledge and digital literacy are important tools for addressing denialism. He called on technology companies to strengthen human rights due diligence, improve transparency and cooperate with civil society.

The report places the issue at the intersection of emerging technologies, platform design, historical accountability and freedom of expression. It also highlights the tension between efforts to counter denialist content and the risk that restrictive laws could be used for censorship or repression.