We are no longer debating facts, says Harry in Colombia

During a recent visit to Colombia, Prince Harry expressed concerns about the rapid spread of misinformation through social media and artificial intelligence, stating, 'We are no longer debating facts. ' This four-day trip began on a Thursday, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were welcomed by Vice-President Francia Márquez, who had invited them after watching a Netflix series about their lives. On their first day, they visited a school in Bogotá, the capital, where they engaged with teenagers about the impact of social media on society. They also participated in a summit focused on digital responsibility, organized in part by their Archewell Foundation. Prince Harry emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, 'What happens online within a matter of minutes transfers to the streets,' highlighting how misinformation can lead to real-world consequences. The couple received a warm welcome from Vice-President Márquez, who embraced Meghan and shook hands with Harry. The Sussexes have faced their own challenges with social media, but they have not disclosed who is funding their trip, which is neither a state visit nor an official royal engagement. However, they are being provided with a full security detail, a privilege they lost in the UK after stepping down as working royals in 2020. Prince Harry noted that many individuals feel 'scared and uncertain' about the potential effects of AI, stressing that 'education and awareness' are crucial in combating misinformation. He stated, 'It comes down to all of us to be able to spot the true from the fake,' urging people to be vigilant about the information they consume. He also called for those in positions of influence to take greater responsibility for the information they share, declaring, 'We are no longer debating facts. ' He warned that as long as individuals are allowed to spread lies and engage in harassment, social cohesion will be severely impacted. Vice-President Márquez described the Sussexes' visit as 'very special,' expressing her desire for the trip to focus on cyber issues and promote women's leadership in Colombia. The warm interactions between Meghan and Vice-President Márquez were captured in photographs, showcasing their friendly rapport. The couple is expected to explore other regions of Colombia, including Cartagena and Cali, during their stay. This tour marks their second visit this year, following another trip they made in May.