Dubai, At the COP28 conference, UNESCO presented a policy brief emphasizing the importance of information as a public good, particularly in addressing environmental challenges and achieving Sustainable Development Goals. The brief focused on the safety of journalists and the financial sustainability of media in the digital age.
According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the rise of digital platforms poses new challenges for the media, including online violence against journalists, especially women, and financial sustainability due to shifting business models and the concentration of digital advertising revenues. The policy brief proposes enhanced transparency and data sharing between online platforms and media stakeholders as a solution, which could aid platforms in improving their human rights risk assessments and support the role of information as a public good.
The brief outlines the challenges in creating data-sharing arrangements and underscores the value of such collaborations. For instance, data on content and user engagement could help media outlets optimize audience reach and engagement strategies. Additionally, information on threats against journalists could guide platforms in enhancing safety measures.
Despite obstacles in increasing platform transparency, recent trends suggest a growing potential for data sharing, further encouraged by UNESCO’s Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms. These guidelines have stimulated policy discussions on regulation to support public access to information.
The brief also reviews recent legislative changes and policies in the field, highlighting the evolving landscape of data sharing. It stresses that data protection, security, and a critical approach to data should be integral to data access efforts.
UNESCO’s proposals include developing aligned data requests, fostering dialogues and pilot partnerships between platforms and data users, and enhancing public data literacy. These steps are vital for improving journalist safety and media viability, contributing to the broader goal of maintaining information as a public good.