Córdoba, Argentina (October 20, 2024) – The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) successfully updated the historic Declaration of Salta of 2018. The document, now known as the "Declaration of Salta II," was approved at the conclusion of the General Assembly in Córdoba, also in Argentina. The update adapts the original text to the challenges facing press freedom in the new digital environment.
Among the key topics addressed in this new version are artificial intelligence; the opacity of algorithms, which can foster polarization and the spread of misinformation, thus undermining public debate; the commercial disruptions generated by large tech companies that dominate the advertising market; and intellectual property rights, whose respect is fundamental to the economic viability of journalism.
The Declaration of Salta II emphasizes that the rights to freedom of expression and press must be guaranteed both in the analog and digital realms, implying that regulations on the internet, AI, and other technologies must respect human rights and ensure free and neutral access to the web. Additionally, it establishes the need for governments not to interfere with access to information through prior censorship or by penalizing those who criticize authorities in the digital space.
The process of updating the Declaration of Salta was a collective effort involving a broad consultation, with over 150 individuals and organizations representing media, international tech and communication companies, think tanks, intergovernmental human rights organizations, civil society, academics, journalists, and lawyers providing input.
Under the coordination of the co-chairs of the Salta II Subcommittee, Martín Etchevers and Gustavo Mohme, a diverse and plural consultation was ensured to guarantee that different viewpoints were heard and considered.
One of the most important aspects introduced in the Declaration is the protection of copyright and fair compensation for media and journalists for the use of their content on digital platforms and AI engines, a topic of increasing relevance as large tech companies generates direct and indirect benefits using this content. It emphasizes that technology intermediaries, including AI system developers, must respect intellectual property rights and adopt measures to prevent practices that harm free competition and informational diversity.
During the discussion forums at the Assembly, the IAPA highlighted the difference between large tech companies and their attitudes towards media in terms of dialogue and collaboration, as well as efforts to combat misinformation. In particular, the programs developed by Google News Initiative, which was present at the meeting, were acknowledged for their work with the IAPA. One of the principles of the Declaration notes that technological actors who disregard or evade regulatory frameworks that apply to them threaten the right to information and press freedom.
Moreover, the new Declaration focuses on the responsibility of states to protect journalists and media from digital violence, harassment, and cyber surveillance. It urges governments to ensure an environment free from violence and cyber-attacks against those who perform the function of informing, as well as to quickly investigate and punish any aggression.
The process that concluded with the approval of the Declaration of Salta II began in 2023, with the goal of responding to rapid technological changes and emerging challenges affecting both freedom of expression and the sustainability of the media.
Finally, after a long process of reflection, debate, and internal consultation, the text was reviewed by renowned international experts, who helped give the final touch to this visionary document. The Declaration of Salta II allows the IAPA to continue playing a leadership role in defending freedom of expression and press, reaffirming its commitment to fighting for the fundamental values of journalism and the media industry in this new digital context.
With this update, the IAPA reaffirms its role as a defender of press freedom and positions itself as a key player in the dialogue on how digital technologies should be addressed to ensure free, diverse, and quality access to information, while also protecting the economic viability of independent journalism.
The IAPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to defending and promoting freedom of the press and expression in the Americas. It comprises more than 1,300 publications from the western hemisphere and is based in Miami, Florida, United States.
