During a recent trip to Colombia with his wife Meghan Markle, the Duke of Sussex expressed concerns about the rapid spread of disinformation and misinformation on social media, which can lead to significant real-world consequences.
At a digital responsibility summit, Harry highlighted how quickly online information can translate into real-life actions, stating, "what happens online within a matter of minutes transfers to the streets." He emphasized the problem of people acting on false information and stressed that, "in an ideal world, those with positions of influence would take more responsibility,” as the spread of falsehoods, abuse, and harassment undermines social cohesion.
Harry's remarks came in the wake of riots in the UK earlier in August, triggered by false social media rumors about a suspect involved in the killing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport. The misinformation falsely identified the suspect as a Muslim asylum seeker. High-profile figures like Nigel Farage and Elon Musk have faced criticism for their responses to the disorder. Farage has denied inciting chaos, and a former counter-terrorism police chief suggested he might be investigated. Musk, on the other hand, suggested that the UK was on the brink of civil war.
Meghan took the opportunity to address cyberbullying, noting that it affects everyone, either personally or through someone they know. She urged for a proactive approach to combat online abuse and emphasized the need to model positive behavior for future generations.
The Sussexes arrived in Colombia on Thursday for a four-day visit and were welcomed in Bogotá by Vice President Francia Marquez. They spent time at Marquez's residence, enjoying traditional Colombian food. Their visit includes attending a lunch hosted by Marquez and exploring the cities of Cartagena and Cali. They are also expected at the Petronio Álvarez festival, celebrating Afro-Colombian culture.
During their trip, Harry and Meghan visited Colegio Cultura Popular and participated in a summit organized by their Archewell Foundation, focusing on fostering a healthier digital environment. They engaged with students about their experiences with social media and technology, with Meghan advocating for self-reliance over tech reliance and Harry discussing family conversations about social media management and literacy.
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