The Duke of Sussex slammed online misinformation during a four-day visit to Colombia, warning that “what happens online can be heard on the streets in a matter of minutes”.
Speaking at the Digital Responsibility Summit in Bogota, Prince Harry said that “people are acting on information that is not true”, pointing out the spread of disinformation through artificial intelligence and social media.
The warning came on the first day of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's visit to Colombia, and while no specific social media platforms were named, Prince Harry's comments came in response to criticism of tech billionaire and X owner Elon Musk and social media platforms following far-right riots in the UK.
Speaking to experts at a summit hosted by Harry and Meghan's Archewell Foundation, Prince Harry said in comments reported by the BBC: “In an ideal world, those in positions of influence should be held more accountable. We're not arguing facts anymore.”
“As long as people are allowed to spread lies, abuse and harassment, social cohesion as we know it will completely disintegrate.”
Meghan and Prince Harry were welcomed by Colombian Vice President Francia Marquez. Photo: Darwin Torres/Office of the Vice President of Colombia/Long Visual/Zuma Press Wire/Rex/Shutterstock
The couple's visit was at the invitation of Colombian Vice President Francia Marquez, who told reporters she was “deeply moved” by the Netflix documentary series about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's life. “I have to say, 'This woman deserves to visit our country and tell her story.' Without a doubt, her visit will inspire many women around the world,” Marquez said as she welcomed the couple to Bogota.
Marquez said he had previously invited Meghan to take part in African American Women's Day, which is celebrated annually on July 25, but she was unable to attend. “We sent her an invitation then and she replied that although she couldn't come, she was very keen to visit and get to know our country,” Marquez said.
It has not been confirmed who is paying for the trip to Colombia, but the couple will reportedly have a full security presence; they have not had security in the UK since stepping down from royal duties in 2020. During the trip, which is expected to be in keeping with the formalities of an official royal visit, the couple are expected to spend time in Cartagena and Cali, where they will attend the Petronio Alvarez Festival, a four-day event celebrating Afro-Colombian music and culture.
The first day was spent in the capital, Bogotá, where they visited schools and met young people at sessions on online safety, watched a cultural showcase while taking part in a dance, and attended a Digital Summit looking at the urgent need to address the harmful aspects of technology and digital platforms.
This will be the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's third visit this year, following a three-day visit to Nigeria in May and Jamaica in January.
