S. Korea's Yoon warns of tech threat to democracy

President tells global summit fake news based on AI violates human rights

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SEOUL South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on March 18 called fake news and disinformation based on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology threats to democracy, as some officials attending a global summit accused Russia and China of conducting malicious propaganda campaigns.

Speaking at the opening of the Summit for Democracy, which is being held in Seoul, Mr Yoon said countries had a duty to share experiences and wisdom so that AI and technology could be employed to promote democracy.

"Fake news and disinformation based on artificial intelligence and digital technology not only violate individual freedom and human rights but also threaten democratic systems," Mr Yoon said.

South Korea is hosting the third Summit for Democracy conference, an initiative by US President Joe Biden aimed at discussing ways to stop democratic backsliding and the erosion of rights and freedoms.

Digital threats to democracy, and how technology can promote democracy and universal human rights, are expected to be the main agenda of the three-day meetings, which have drawn representatives from more than 30 countries, ranging from Costa Rica to the United States to Ghana.