in a new concise title Strengthening information integrity: advertising, artificial intelligence, and the global information crisisThe Global Communications Department And the Conscious Advertising Network warns that uncontrolled AI adoption in advertising is increasing risks to the entire digital information ecosystem.
A short note is that the advertising industry is at the center of the flow of information online Spending decisions influence what content is produced, promoted, and monetized.
As AI tools become embedded in media buying and content creation, those dynamics are intensifying.
“Advertising funds the systems that help shape what people see, trust, and believe,said Charlotte Scaddan, senior UN adviser on information integrity.
“Without prompt action and guardrails, AI risks accelerating the breakdown of the integrity of the information ecosystem. Advertisers have the power to help fix this.”
risk is increasing
The summary highlights several increasing risks.
AI is accelerating the spread of disinformation, hate speech and polarizing content, while advertising revenues continue to fund online content – regardless of its quality or accuracy.
At the same time, the lack of transparency in how AI-powered advertising systems work is raising concerns about fraud and inefficiency.
The rise of AI-generated content also threatens the viability of independent journalismThe report warns that declining trust in the digital environment is already reducing the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.
The brief emphasizes that these are not only social concerns but also direct business risks. As audiences lose trust in the platforms where ads appear, engagement decreases and returns on investment decline.
“Brands are under pressure to move faster on AI, but doing so without guardrails risks undermining the environment on which their marketing depends,” said Harriet Kingby of the Conscious Advertising Network, a global coalition advancing responsible advertising.
“It’s not about slowing down innovation – it’s about making sure it works for business and society.“
call to action
The UN briefing calls on policymakers to align governance frameworks for AI and advertising with international standards on information integrity and work with industry and civil society to improve transparency.
For advertisers, it recommends using financial leverage to demand greater visibility into AI supply chains, prioritizing quality media environments, and pushing platforms toward creating stronger safeguards for users and consumers.
The evidence briefly cited suggests that Improving transparency in media buying could deliver double-digit gains in ad performance – Emphasizing that responsible practices can also be consistent with good business.
