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"Models of platform regulation and HRC output on national regulation" - UN Human Rights Council side event - 18 June 2026

On 18 June 2026, the Chair on Online Content Moderation is organising, in partnership with the Geneva Human Rights Hub, a side event to the UN Human Rights Council on "Models for platform regulation and HRC output on national regulation", which will take place in Room VII, Palais des Nations, in Geneva.

As digital technologies continue to reshape societies, their regulation has emerged as a key priority. Different regulatory initiatives are currently emerging at the international, regional and national levels with the aim of strengthening the digital rights of users. The United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) has already begun to address the human rights implications of new and emerging digital technologies, notably through resolution 53/29 and reports such as the 'Practical application of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to the activities of technology companies, including activities relating to artificial intelligence' by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

At the regional level, the EU Digital Services Act is serving as a blueprint for similar initiatives globally, an influence often labelled the 'Brussels Effect'. This includes developments such as the bill on communications platforms and search engines (LPCom) put forward by the Swiss Federal Council. The Swiss Federal Council has also developed initiatives like the Digital Self-Determination Network to ensure that technological developments foster innovation while adhering to the fundamental values of a democratic society.

This side event asks to what extent these efforts can effectively protect human rights in the digital sphere and how to ensure that regulatory initiatives comply with the obligations of states to protect human rights.

Objectives
This discussion aims to:

  • Examine and compare different models of platform regulation.
  • Highlight existing challenges and opportunities for ensuring effective human rights protection in the digital sphere.
  • Put forward key recommendations for states and other actors on how to regulate online platforms.

Speakers
The panel will feature:

  • A representative from the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM), Switzerland.
  • Nathalie Stadelmann, Human Rights Officer, Business and Human Rights & Tech and Human Rights Section, OHCHR.
  • Dr. Stefania Di Stefano, Postdoctoral Researcher and Dr. Suzanne Vergnolle, Director of the Research Chair on Online Content Moderation (Cnam).
  • Chantal Joris, Interim Head of Law and Policy, ARTICLE 19.

Moderators
Felix Kirchmeier or Domenico Zipoli (Geneva Human Rights Hub).

The event is organised as part of the Geneva Human Rights Hub's Annual Conference "HRC@20", dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

The side event will be preceded by an expert roundtable on the role of the UN Human Rights Council on "Interpretation and Guidance in the Digital Age", to which the Chair will also contribute.

Both events will take place in-person.

If you wish to attend the side event, please register to get accreditation for the UN Human Rights Council session.

If you wish to attend the expert roundtable, you can register via this link.