According to Kahn, tech companies have more influence and resources than most governments.Image: www.imago-images.de
In view of the growing influence of tech companies, a United Nations (UN) expert has warned of a “dangerously shrinking” scope for freedom of expression in many countries.
June 18, 2026, 02:41June 18, 2026, 02:41
The “inalienable human right” of freedom of expression is being privatized, monetized, manipulated and unlawfully restricted, said the UN Special Representative for Freedom of Expression, Irene Kahn, on Wednesday evening in Geneva. In particular, the increasing intertwining of state and corporate interests, for example in the USA, threatens the right to freedom of expression. “The protection of freedom of expression requires that states protect human rights,” explained Kahn when presenting her final report.
But if the most powerful government in the world uses its political and economic weapons – from tariffs to sanctions – to prevent other states from regulating their digital platforms and AI companies, then freedom of expression will become a “plaything of geopolitics,” warned the special representative with regard to the USA.
Tech companies have too much power
In particular, the increasing power of big tech companies is deeply worrying: “Important decisions that affect the rights of billions of people are being made by a handful of big tech companies and oligarchs,” warned Kahn. These companies are not accountable to any democratic process, are not subject to any control and often do not have to fear any consequences for their actions. Tech companies have more influence and resources than most governments.
Often massive setbacks in human rights
The UN special representative warned that there are massive setbacks in human rights in some countries. For example, anti-terrorism laws would be used to suppress peaceful protest and opposition voices. In this way, populist governments “abused freedom of expression as a weapon to foment violence, discrimination and hostilities” against minorities.
Although Kahn and other UN special representatives are commissioned by the UN Human Rights Office, they work independently and do not speak on behalf of the United Nations. (sda/apa/afp)