Group of 20 leaders have agreed to join efforts to fight disinformation and set up an agenda on artificial intelligence as their governments struggle against the speed, scale and reach of misinformation and hate speech.

The ministers, who gathered this week in Maceio, the capital of the northeastern state of Alagoas, emphasized in a statement the need for digital platforms to be transparent and “in line with relevant policies and applicable legal frameworks.”

It is the first time in the G20’s history that the group recognizes the problem of disinformation and calls for transparency and accountability from digital platforms, João Brant, secretary for digital policy at the Brazilian presidency, told The Associated Press by phone.

G20 representatives also agreed to establish guidelines for developing artificial intelligence, calling for “ethical, transparent, and accountable use of AI,” with human oversight and compliance with privacy and human rights laws.

“We hope this will be referenced in the leaders’ declaration and that South Africa will continue the work,” Renata Mielli, adviser to Brazil's ministry of science, technology and innovation, said. The G20 Leaders' Summit is scheduled for November, in Rio de Janeiro.

Mielli, Brazil’s negotiator in the AI working group, said there were disagreements from countries including China and the United States, but declined to provide details. In the end, she said, a consensus prevailed that the world’s richest countries should collaborate to reduce global asymmetry in AI development.

This week’s meeting took place in the aftermath of X’s ban in Brazil, ordered by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes after a monthslong feud with its owner, tech billionaire Elon Musk.

Since last year, X has clashed with de Moraes over its reluctance to block some users, mostly far-right activists accused of undermining Brazilian democracy. Musk has called the Brazilian justice a dictator and an autocrat due to his rulings affecting his companies in Brazil.

Brazil currently has the presidency of the 20 leading rich and developing nations and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has put issues that concern the developing world — such as the reduction of inequalities and the reform of multilateral institutions — at the heart of its agenda.

G20 Ministers Emphasize Transparency and Accountability of Digital Platforms

The G20 ministers, who convened in Maceio, Brazil, this week, issued a statement emphasizing the need for digital platforms to be transparent and accountable. This is a significant step forward for the G20, as it marks the first time the group has explicitly acknowledged the issue of disinformation and called for action from tech giants.

The statement, which was reported by the Associated Press, highlighted the importance of digital platforms operating within the bounds of relevant policies and legal frameworks. This underscores the growing global recognition of the need for regulations to govern the online sphere and address the spread of misinformation and harmful content.

AI Development: G20 Calls for Ethical and Accountable Use

Beyond the fight against disinformation, the G20 nations also agreed to establish guidelines for the development and deployment of artificial intelligence. The ministers emphasized the importance of ethical, transparent, and accountable AI, advocating for human oversight and adherence to privacy and human rights laws.

This move reflects the growing awareness of the potential risks and benefits of AI technology. The G20's commitment to ethical AI development is crucial as the technology continues to evolve rapidly and become increasingly integrated into various aspects of our lives.

The G20's focus on ethical and responsible AI development is particularly timely in light of recent controversies surrounding the use of the technology. From concerns about bias and discrimination in AI systems to the potential for job displacement, the need for ethical guidelines is becoming increasingly urgent.

Brazil's G20 Presidency and the Focus on Development

Brazil's current presidency of the G20 has been marked by a strong focus on issues that are of particular concern to developing countries, such as the reduction of inequalities and the reform of multilateral institutions. This emphasis reflects Brazil's commitment to addressing global challenges in a manner that is equitable and inclusive.

The G20's agreement to combat disinformation and establish ethical AI guidelines is a positive step forward in addressing critical challenges in the digital age. However, the true impact of these commitments will depend on the specific policies and measures that are implemented by individual G20 nations. It is crucial for the G20 to translate these commitments into concrete actions that effectively address the challenges of disinformation and ensure the responsible development and deployment of AI. The G20 Leaders' Summit in November, which will be held in Rio de Janeiro, will provide an opportunity to further advance these discussions and develop concrete plans for action.

G20 Takes a Stand on Disinformation and AI: A Global Effort to Shape the Digital Future

The G20's commitment to combating disinformation and establishing ethical AI guidelines is a significant step towards shaping a safer and more responsible digital future. As technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, international cooperation is essential to address the challenges that arise. The G20's leadership in these areas sets a positive precedent for other nations to follow and reinforces the importance of collaborative action to address global issues in the digital age.