Media: US to push UN declaration on free speech at September General Assembly PHOTO

The United States plans to seek the adoption of a declaration on freedom of expression at the UN General Assembly in September, in a move that would indirectly challenge the European Union's approach to regulating online platforms, Politico reported.

According to the publication, the proposed Declaration on Freedom of Expression reflects the current US administration's longstanding criticism of content moderation rules introduced by foreign governments.

Under the draft document, countries signing the declaration would commit to recognising that penalties for so-called "disinformation" and "hate speech" could undermine freedom of expression. The proposal makes an exception only for content that directly incites violence.

The declaration would also seek to protect online platforms from government requirements to monitor and remove content, according to Politico.

The report noted that major US technology companies have long complained about the costs and compliance burdens associated with the EU's digital regulations. However, it remains unclear whether any technology firms were involved in drafting the declaration.

The initiative is expected to be presented during the UN General Assembly session in September.

By Aghakazim Guliyev