18 June 2026 07:40 UTC · UK Government · GOV.UK Speech · Source · Email X Link

UK Government commends Special Rapporteur and urges platform accountability

Key points

Commends the Special Rapporteur's dedication
Supports transparency and rights-respecting governance of digital platforms

TL;DR

Expresses appreciation for the Special Rapporteur's principled leadership and defence of freedom of expression worldwide.
Affirms commitment to the right to freedom of opinion and expression, online and offline, and notes role as co-chair of the Media Freedom Coalition.
Supports efforts for greater transparency, accountability, and human-rights respect in digital platform design and asks what practical steps states can take to balance company respect for expression with avoiding over-regulation.

Original text

Thank you, Mr Vice President, We thank the Special Rapporteur for her important work and today’s report. We commend her dedication throughout her mandate during which she has been a principled and authoritative voice for the protection of freedom of expression worldwide. We express our deep appreciation for her leadership, independence, and consistent defence of journalists, human rights defenders, and open civic space. We remain committed to the right to freedom of opinion and expression, online and offline including through our role as co-chair of the Media Freedom Coalition. This right is foundational to democratic societies, accountability and the protection of all other human rights. Digital platforms and large technology companies play an increasingly significant role in shaping public debate. Their decisions have profound implications for access to information, media pluralism, and the safety of users. We therefore support efforts to promote greater transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights in the design and governance of digital platforms. We will continue to engage on this important matter, working with partners to ensure that digital technologies strengthen, rather than restrict, freedom of expression. Special Rapporteur, what practical steps can states take to ensure technology companies respect freedom of expression while avoiding over-regulation or unintended restrictions on legitimate speech? Thank you

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United Kingdom