Technology and human rights

As the digitalisation of public administration increases, so does the capacity for advancing profiling, predictions, control and surveillance of citizens. The digitalisation poses a number of human rights risks, especially in countries that lack robust institutions and legislation to protect rights. To help public authorities achieve greater protection of human rights in digital governance processes, we develop guidance and tools and support other national human rights institutions.

Today virtually all major companies depend on digital services and products, such as facial recognition technologies and algorithmic decision making and other services that carry risks to human rights. Via various communications platforms tech companies effectively control a large part of the infrastructure for public life, and as part of this greatly impact individuals’ rights. To help companies and financial actors identify, assess and address their impacts to human rights, we develop tools, guidance and analysis.