Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – In a pivotal moment for press freedom in the digital age, Dominican President Luis Abinader and José Roberto Dutriz, President of the Inter-American Press Association (IAPA), formally endorsed the Salta II Declaration. This updated and expanded commitment to freedom of expression and the press was signed during the 81st IAPA General Assembly, hosted in the vibrant tourist hub of Punta Cana. The new declaration significantly revises the original 2018 Salta Declaration, recalibrating its foundational principles to navigate the complexities of rapid technological advancements and the evolving challenges confronting communication, journalism, and free speech within the online landscape.
The preamble of the Salta II Declaration powerfully reiterates that freedom of expression and a free press remain indispensable cornerstones of democratic governance, echoing the enduring ethos of the Chapultepec Declaration. It acknowledges the profound, transformative capacity of the internet, artificial intelligence (AI), and other burgeoning digital tools to democratize access to information and invigorate civic engagement. However, the declaration also issues a stark warning regarding the escalating threats prevalent in the digital realm. These include insidious forms of censorship, sophisticated cyberattacks, pervasive online harassment, the proliferation of disinformation, the opaque nature of algorithmic systems, and the concerning market concentration that collectively jeopardize both the economic viability of independent journalism and the fundamental right of citizens to access accurate, diverse information.
Comprising 18 meticulously articulated principles, the Salta II Declaration unequivocally advocates for the consistent protection of press freedom across both traditional analog and contemporary digital platforms. It strongly urges governments to proactively ensure the existence of open, neutral, and accessible digital spaces, while simultaneously safeguarding individual privacy and robust data protection. Furthermore, the document emphasizes the critical importance of respecting journalistic sources, preventing indiscriminate mass surveillance, and mandating transparency in the operation of algorithmic systems that shape information dissemination. A crucial demand within the declaration is for equitable compensation for media organizations whose invaluable content serves as the bedrock for digital platforms and advanced AI systems, underscoring that the long-term sustainability of quality journalism is intrinsically linked to the health of democratic societies. By reaffirming the IAPA’s steadfast historical commitment, the Salta II Declaration powerfully asserts that the defense of press freedom in this dynamic digital era is not merely an aspiration but an ongoing, essential struggle vital for preserving democratic values and upholding the public’s inherent right to informed discourse.
