Digital content creators play a crucial role in today's information ecosystem, reaching millions with cultural, social and political news. However, a recent survey by UNESCO has highlighted significant gaps in fact-checking practices and digital communication standards among these creators.

"Behind the Screens", a survey released today, reveals that 62% of content creators do not consistently verify information before sharing it, while 73% express a strong desire for training to improve their practices.

To address these challenges, UNESCO has launched the first global training course specifically designed for digital content creators.

Over 9,000 participants from 160 countries have already enrolled in the month-long programme, which aims to equip creators with the skills to combat disinformation and hate speech while grounding their work in global human rights standards on freedom of expression and information.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, "Digital content creators have acquired an important place in the information ecosystem. But many are struggling in the face of disinformation and online hate speech and calling for more training. As part of its mandate for media and information literacy, UNESCO will support them through this first-ever global training course."

The survey, conducted in collaboration with Bowling Green State University, involved 500 influencers from 45 countries.

It revealed that many content creators rely on questionable methods to assess the credibility of online information, such as: likes and shares (42%), recommendations from trusted friends (21%), and reputation of the original source (19%).

Despite their influence, digital creators rarely collaborate with journalists to verify information.

The training course, developed in partnership with the Knight Centre for Journalism in the Americas, focuses on empowering content creators to source and verify information effectively, identify and debunk misinformation, and collaborate with journalists to amplify reliable content. It also encourages transparency in sourcing and emphasises adherence to global standards on freedom of expression.