A/67/326 discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and that new technologies can assist the promotion of tolerance and respect for human dignity, and the principles of equality and non-discrimination. The Programme of Action also highlights the potential to increase the use of the new information and communications technologies, including the Internet, to create educational and awareness-raising networks against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, both in and out of school, as well as the ability of the Internet to promote universal respect for human rights and also respect for the value of cultural diversity (para. 141). 51. Like his predecessor, the Special Rapporteur encourages States to fully exploit the opportunities provided by new technologies, including the Internet, to counter the dissemination of ideas based on racial superiority or hatred (A/HRC/20/38, para. 12). He would also like to reiterate that promoting the expression of diverse views and opinions through the Internet remains an effective approach to combating and preventing racism, consistent with the implementation of articles 19 to 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and article 4 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (A/HRC/20/33, para. 63). 52. As the Special Rapporteur noted in his previous report, the Internet and social media can also be a useful tool for preventing the spread of racist ideologies by extremist political parties, groups and movements. In that connection, he welcomes information received about projects set up at the national level by civil society groups with the support of public authorities, including the creation of a social network-based platform targeting young people and specifically aimed at countering right-wing extremism and fostering a democratic culture (see A/HRC/20/38, para. 12). 53. The Special Rapporteur believes that one of the possible ways of countering and preventing racism on the Internet would be to diversify content, particularly by promoting local content. The Internet as a global network provides a common platform for communicating and sharing ideas, views and values among different cultures and communities around the world. Feeding local content into the global network can contribute to greater understanding, tolerance and respect for diversity. In particular, the Internet holds a great potential to reduce information asymmetry and misperceptions that feed racist and xenophobic expressions. In that regard, as the previous mandate holder noted, such initiatives as information campaigns broadcast on the Internet could be useful in promoting harmony and tolerance among different ethnic groups (A/HRC/18/44, para. 12). Promoting affordable access to the Internet and the creation of culturally and linguistically diverse content, as proposed by some civil society initiatives, may also contribute to better appreciation of diversity. 17 54. It should be borne in mind that most often victims of racial discrimination are more likely to lag behind in digital connectivity and access to the Internet. The absence of their voices in digital conversations leaves racist ideas unchallenged. In that regard, the Special Rapporteur would like to reiterate his recommendation that States should adopt effective and concrete policies and strategies to make the Internet widely available, accessible and affordable to all, on the basis of the __________________ 17 12-46982 See, for example, the Association for Progressive Communications (www.apc.org). 19