The spread of false information through artificial intelligence and social media means that “we no longer discuss facts,” the Duke of Sussex said during a four-day visit to Colombia.
Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex arrived in the country on Thursday and were greeted by Vice President Francia Márquez, who invited the couple after watching a Netflix series about their lives.
They spent their first day visiting a school in the capital, Bogotá, to talk to teenagers about the impact of social media and to speak at a summit on digital responsibility organized in part by their Archewell Foundation.
“What happens on the internet spreads to the streets within minutes. People act on false information,” the Duke said.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have themselves faced attacks on social media, have not confirmed who is funding the trip – which is neither a state visit nor an official royal event.
But they will receive a comprehensive security detail – something they no longer have in the UK after they stepped down from their roles as working royals in 2020.
The Duke said many people were “fearful and uncertain” about the potential impact of AI and that “education and awareness” were key to combating misinformation.
“We all need to be able to distinguish between real and fake,” he said.
“In an ideal world, those in power would bear greater responsibility. We no longer discuss facts.
“As long as people are allowed to spread lies, abuse and harassment, social cohesion as we know it has completely broken down.”
Mrs Marquis, who hosted the couple at her official residence, described the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s trip as a “very special visit”.
She said that with the project, she wants to not only focus on cyber issues, but also help build bridges and promote female leadership in Colombia.
In the picture, Meghan and Ms Marquis were seen sharing a warm embrace, with the Vice President holding Harry’s hand as they introduced themselves to each other.
The California-based couple is expected to spend some time in the Cartagena and Cali areas during their trip.
The trip, which in many ways resembles an official royal visit, is the second made by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex this year, following their first visit to England in 1988. Three-day visit to Nigeria I’m My.
“Social media pioneer. Pop culture expert. Very humble internet enthusiast. Author.”
