Published on: 2026-04-29
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Annual global spending on advertising exceeds one trillion dollars, and the UN warns that the largest companies can play a significant role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence, while inaction on the part of the international community could exacerbate the global “disinformation crisis.”
In the newanalytical note, dedicated to this topic and prepared by the Department of Global Communications and the Conscious Advertising Network, it is stated that uncontrolled AI implementation in advertising will create problems for the entire digital information environment.
The advertising industry is undergoing an audit at the center of information flows on the Internet, and its decisions regarding budget allocation influence what content is produced, promoted, and monetized. With the introduction of AI tools into the processes of purchasing advertising and creating content, this dynamic is only intensifying.
“Advertising funds the systems that help shape what people see and what they believe,” said Charlotte Skedden, Senior Advisor to the UN on information integrity.
“Without operational actions and protective mechanisms, AI can accelerate the disintegration of the integrity of the information ecosystem. Advertisers have the opportunity to change this situation,” he added.
Problems in the digital environment
A number of problems are highlighted in the note:
- Disinformation and hatred incitement: AI accelerates the spread of disinformation and hatred incitement, while ad fraudsters continue to sponsor online materials—regardless of quality or accuracy.
- Lack of transparency: the opacity of the operation of advertising systems based on AI may serve as a cover for fraud and ineffectiveness.
- Threat to journalism: the growth of AI-generated content threatens the viability of independent journalism. Declining trust in the digital environment is already undermining the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.
The authors of the article emphasize that these are not only social problems but also business risks. When the audience loses trust in the platforms where advertisements are placed, traffic declines, and investments do not pay off.
“Brands are forced to quickly implement AI, but without barriers, such solutions can undermine the very environment on which marketing strategies depend,” noted Harriet Kingaby from Conscious Advertising Network, a global coalition promoting responsible advertising.
“The issue is not about preventing innovations, but about ensuring that they work for the benefit of business and society,” he added.
Advertising and AI Management
The UN experts call on politicians to bring the governance mechanisms of AI and advertising in line with international standards, as well as cooperate with industry and civil society to increase the transparency of advertising activities.
Advertisers are recommended to achieve greater transparency in the AI supply chain, prioritize quality media, and use financial levers to encourage online platforms to create more reliable measures to protect users and consumers.
The data presented in the note indicate that increased transparency in advertising procurement can provide a dual increase in efficiency indicators – this confirms that responsible working methods can coincide with the interests of a successful business.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It represents an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.