International human rights law in the era of digital disinformation and propaganda: case studies from Myanmar and Ukraine
Michał Balcerzak
University of Szczecin , Polandhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-6421-1742
Julia Kapelańska-Pręgowska
Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń , Polandhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-7643-2681
Abstract
Today, more than ever, the Internet and social media have become our primary sources of information, offering us a window to the world. However, this freedom to access and disseminate information has negative consequences, as it allows for a rapid spread of disinformation, propaganda, and hate speech. From the perspective of international human rights law, questions arise regarding the obligations and responsibilities of states. In this discussion, the authors argue that one of the primary tasks of states is to take necessary and appropriate measures to simultaneously protect the freedom of expression and prevent the spread of propaganda and disinformation. Balancing these conflicting interests is a complex challenge. To better understand them, the authors analyse selected examples from international and domestic jurisprudence and practice, such as the Rohingya genocide in Myanmar and the war in Ukraine. These cases serve to illustrate how state-sponsored propaganda and disinformation can lead to violence and result in grave human rights violations.
Keywords:
freedom of expression, disinformation, propaganda, Myanmar, Ukraine, human rightsReferences
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University of Szczecin https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6421-1742
Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7643-2681
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