Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has raised concerns about the spread of false information through AI and social media, warning that “we are no longer debating facts.” He made these remarks during a four-day visit to Colombia, where he and his wife, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, were invited by the country’s Vice-President, Francia Márquez.
The couple arrived in Bogotá on Thursday and were warmly welcomed by Vice president Márquez, who extended the invitation after watching a Netflix series about their lives.
On their first day, Harry and Meghan visited a school in Bogotá, where they spoke with teenagers about the impact of social media. They also participated in a summit on digital responsibility, organised in part by their Archewell Foundation. “What happens online within a matter of minutes transfers to the streets. People are acting on information that isn’t true,” Prince Harry said, emphasising the real-world consequences of online misinformation, reports BBC.
The Sussexes, who have dealt with their challenges on social media, haven’t disclosed who is funding their trip, which is neither a state visit nor an official royal event. However, they are receiving full security protection, something they no longer have in the UK since stepping down as working royals in 2020.
Prince Harry also spoke about the fear and uncertainty many people feel regarding AI and its potential impact, stressing that “education and awareness” are crucial in combating misinformation. “It comes down to all of us to be able to spot the true from the fake,” he said. “For as long as people are allowed to spread lies, abuse, harass, then social cohesion as we know it has completely broken down.”
Vice-President Márquez described the visit as “very special,” highlighting its focus on cyber issues and its potential to build bridges and promote women’s leadership in Colombia. Meghan and Márquez shared a warm embrace upon meeting, while Harry and the vice president were seen shaking hands.
The Sussexes are expected to continue their tour in Colombia, with plans to visit Cartagena and Cali. This is their second international trip this year, following a visit to Nigeria in May.
The couple arrived in Bogotá on Thursday and were warmly welcomed by Vice president Márquez, who extended the invitation after watching a Netflix series about their lives.
On their first day, Harry and Meghan visited a school in Bogotá, where they spoke with teenagers about the impact of social media. They also participated in a summit on digital responsibility, organised in part by their Archewell Foundation. “What happens online within a matter of minutes transfers to the streets. People are acting on information that isn’t true,” Prince Harry said, emphasising the real-world consequences of online misinformation, reports BBC.
The Sussexes, who have dealt with their challenges on social media, haven’t disclosed who is funding their trip, which is neither a state visit nor an official royal event. However, they are receiving full security protection, something they no longer have in the UK since stepping down as working royals in 2020.
Prince Harry also spoke about the fear and uncertainty many people feel regarding AI and its potential impact, stressing that “education and awareness” are crucial in combating misinformation. “It comes down to all of us to be able to spot the true from the fake,” he said. “For as long as people are allowed to spread lies, abuse, harass, then social cohesion as we know it has completely broken down.”
Vice-President Márquez described the visit as “very special,” highlighting its focus on cyber issues and its potential to build bridges and promote women’s leadership in Colombia. Meghan and Márquez shared a warm embrace upon meeting, while Harry and the vice president were seen shaking hands.
The Sussexes are expected to continue their tour in Colombia, with plans to visit Cartagena and Cali. This is their second international trip this year, following a visit to Nigeria in May.