Governing Freedom of Expression in the Age of AI
The 62nd Session of the Human Rights Council
15 June - 7 July 2026
Item 3: ID with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
17 June 2026
Freedom of Expression in the Digital Sphere: Ensuring Human Rights Protection Amid the Rise of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies
By Evan Dolgoff / GICJ
Executive Summary
On 17 June 2026, during the 62nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC62), the Council held an Interactive Dialogue with Ms Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. The discussion focused on the growing impact of digital technologies and artificial intelligence on the freedom of expression and access to information.
In presenting her report, Freedom of expression in new frontiers: Governing the digital sphere in the age of artificial intelligence (A/HRC/62/67), Ms Khan warned that the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), digital surveillance technologies, and the increasing concentration of power among governments and major technology companies pose significant challenges to the exercise of freedom of expression. She stressed that technological innovation has outpaced existing governance frameworks and highlighted the need for stronger human rights protections within digital environments.
During the dialogue, States, regional organisations, United Nations entities, and civil society organisations discussed the implications of artificial intelligence, online content moderation, digital surveillance, disinformation, and platform governance. Participants emphasised the importance of balancing innovation with human rights protections and ensuring that freedom of expression remains protected both online and offline.
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