TECHNOLOGY AND HUMAN RIGHTS: NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL FRONTIER

V.C MUOMA *

ABSTRACT

Technological innovations have transformed the landscape of human rights, presenting both opportunities and challenges. As we navigate the digital frontier, it is crucial to explore the intersections and implications of technology on human rights. This paper explores the impact of technology on human rights, including the promotion of access to information, freedom of expression, and privacy, as well as the risks of surveillance, online harassment, and algorithmic bias. It also discusses the role of corporations, governments, and civil society in ensuring that technology is designed and deployed in ways that respect and promote human rights. It highlights the need for ongoing research, education, and advocacy to address the evolving challenges and opportunities presented by technology and to ensure that human rights are protected and promoted in the digital age. Conversely, it also delves into the challenges posed by digital surveillance, online harassment, and algorithmic bias, among other issues. As technology continues to evolve, it is essential to ensure that human rights are respected and protected in the digital sphere. Through a critical analysis of the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, including governments, corporations, civil societies, technologists, and human rights advocates, this paper aims to navigate the complexities of the digital frontier and chart a course towards a future where technology and human rights are mutually reinforcing.

Keywords: Technology, Human Rights, Digital Frontier, Access to Information, Freedom of Expression, Privacy, Surveillance, Online Harassment, Corporations, Governments, Civil Society.

1.0 INTRODUCTION:

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the synergy between law, human relations and digital technology has become increasingly significant. As technology continues to revamp and model the way we live and work, we find ourselves facing a landscape as promising as it is perilous. Our journey through the realms of artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity and open-source innovation has brought us to a crucial juncture: the intersection of artificial intelligence and human rights. This next frontier challenges us to consider not just what AI can do, but what it should do, and how its power can be harnessed to protect, rather than erode, our fundamental freedoms.

Imagine a world where AI acts as both the guardian and the potential usurper of our rights. A digital assistant that protects your privacy with unparalleled efficiency, yet knows your deepest secrets. A facial recognition system that can find a missing child in a crowded city, but also track the movements of political dissidents. This is not a distant future, but the reality we are rapidly approaching. 

Despite this, there are additional factors driving to the democratization of human rights monitoring besides the widespread use of digital tools. Rather, this democratizing tendency is partly explained by the rise of participatory activities around this ecosystem of technologies and the constantly expanding number of accessible datasets. Therefore, the interaction of these three formations—digital technology, participatory practices, and open data—leads to innovation in human rights monitoring. 

However, as technology continues to advance, it brings with it a myriad of ethical and human rights challenges that need to be addressed. The intersection of technology and human rights is a complex and dynamic landscape that requires careful navigation and consideration.

On one hand, technology has the potential to enhance and empower human rights. It can facilitate access to information, promote freedom of expression, and enable marginalized communities to have a voice. It can also aid in the fight against discrimination, inequality, and social injustices. The internet, for instance, has become a powerful tool for organizing social movements, mobilizing activists, and demanding accountability from those in power. 

Yet, on the other hand, technology can also pose significant threats to human rights. Issues such as data privacy, surveillance , algorithmic bias, and digital divide have raised concerns about the erosion of individual freedoms and the potential for discrimination and inequality to be perpetuated in the digital realm. As we navigate this digital frontier, it is crucial to strike a balance between harnessing the potential of technology while ensuring the protection of human rights. This requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving governments, technology companies, civil society organizations, and individuals themselves. 

In this article, we will explore the various dimensions of the intersection between technology and human rights. From examining the implications of facial recognition technology on privacy and surveillance to discussing the challenges of regulating online hate speech, we will delve into the complexities of this evolving landscape.

The focus of the G20 submit deals with the transformation of technology into governance and it provided an opportunity regarding the inclusive, prosperous and to secure the global digital future. 

2.0 The concept of Human Rights and Technology.

2.1 Human Rights

Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more.  Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination. Section 33 to 44 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,  made provision for fundamental human rights.

2.2 International Human Rights Law

The International human rights law lays down the obligations of Governments to act in certain ways or to refrain from certain acts, in order to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals or groups.

One of the great achievements of the United Nations is the creation of a comprehensive body of human rights law—a universal and internationally protected code to which all nations can subscribe and all people aspire. The United Nations has defined a broad range of internationally accepted rights, including civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights. It has also established mechanisms to promote and protect these rights and to assist states in carrying out their responsibilities. 

The foundations of this body of law are the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the General Assembly in 1945 and 1948, respectively.  Since then, the United Nations has gradually expanded human rights law to encompass specific standards for women, children, persons with disabilities, minorities and other vulnerable groups, who now possess rights that protect them from discrimination that had long been common in many societies. 

2.3 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 by General Assembly resolution 217 A (III) as a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations. It sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected. Since its adoption in 1948, the UDHR has been translated into more than 500 languages - the most translated document in the world - and has inspired the constitutions of many newly independent States and many new democracies. The UDHR, together with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and its two Optional Protocols (on the complaints procedure and on the death penalty) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and its Optional Protocol, form the so-called International Bill of Human Rights.

2.4 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural rights

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights entered into force in 1976. The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is the body of 18 independent experts that monitors implementation of the Covenant by its States parties. Its Optional Protocol entered into force in 2013. The human rights that the Covenant seeks to promote and protect include;

the right to work in just and favourable conditions;

the right to social protection, to an adequate standard of living and to the highest attainable standards of physical and mental well-being;

the right to education and the enjoyment of benefits of cultural freedom and scientific progress.

2.5 Civil and political rights

The Covenant deals with such rights as freedom of movement; equality before the law; the right to a fair trial and presumption of innocence; freedom of thought, conscience and religion; freedom of opinion and expression; peaceful assembly; freedom of association; participation in public affairs and elections; and protection of minority rights. It prohibits arbitrary deprivation of life; torture, cruel or degrading treatment or punishment; slavery and forced labor; arbitrary arrest or detention; arbitrary interference with privacy; war propaganda; discrimination; and advocacy of racial and religious hatred.

2.6 Human Rights Conventions

Series of international human rights treaties and other instruments adopted since 1945 have expanded the body of international human rights law. They include the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948), the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1965), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (1979), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006), among others.

2.7 Technology

Technology is the application of scientific knowledge to create tools, systems, and processes that enhance productivity, communication, and problem-solving.

According to Wikipedia, Technology is the application of conceptual knowledge to achieve practical goals, especially in a reproducible way. The word technology can also mean the products resulting from such efforts, including both tangible tools such as utensils or machines, and intangible ones such as software. Technology plays a critical role in science, engineering, and everyday life. 

3.0 Impact of Technology on Human Rights

In our present day society driven by technological advancement and digital literacy, the impact of technology on human rights is unprecedented. The advent of new technologies has brought about both opportunities and challenges, fundamentally transforming the way we live, work, and interact with one another.

On one hand, technological advancements have enhanced access to information, communication, and education, empowering individuals and communities around the world. The internet has become a powerful tool for freedom of expression, enabling people to share their voices, advocate for social change, and hold governments accountable.

As AI becomes increasingly integral to everything from healthcare to education, we risk creating a new class divide: those with access to AI's benefits, and those without. This digital chasm could deepen existing inequalities, creating a world where your zip code determines not just your opportunities, but your very ability to participate in society. There is a need to bridge builders, ensuring that the fruits of AI innovation are accessible to all not just by providing hardware or internet access, but by creating AI systems that are culturally sensitive, linguistically diverse, and designed with the needs of all communities in mind. 

Overall, technology has the potential to both promote and undermine human rights. While it has opened up new opportunities for access to information, education, and communication, it also poses significant risks to privacy, security, and equality. This digital revolution has raised concerns about the erosion of privacy, surveillance, and the misuse of personal data. With the proliferation of social media platforms, online tracking, and data collection practices, individuals' privacy is increasingly at risk. The rise of artificial intelligence and automation has also sparked fears about job displacement and socioeconomic inequalities.  Moreover, the digital age has given rise to new forms of human rights violations. Cyberbullying, online harassment, and hate speech have become prevalent, targeting individuals based on their race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. Governments and authoritarian regimes have also exploited technology to suppress dissent, restrict freedom of speech, and monitor their citizens. 

As we navigate this digital frontier, it is crucial to strike a balance between technological innovation and safeguarding human rights. Governments, policymakers, civil society organizations, and tech companies must work together to establish robust legal frameworks, regulations, and ethical guidelines to protect individuals' rights in the digital realm, promote digital literacy and online safety and to address digital divide and inequality.

To mitigate the risks associated with tech innovation, it is imperative to develop and implement policies and regulations that prioritize human rights in the digital age. This includes ensuring that technology is designed and deployed in ways that are transparent, accountable, and inclusive.

Additionally, digital literacy and awareness campaigns are essential to empower individuals to navigate the online world safely and responsibly. Education about privacy settings, online security, and critical thinking can help individuals protect their personal data and distinguish between reliable information and misinformation. Furthermore, collaboration between governments, civil society organizations, and tech companies is crucial in addressing the challenges posed by emerging technologies. By fostering dialogue and cooperation, we can develop ethical practices, promote transparency, and ensure that technology is harnessed for the betterment of society, rather than for its detriment. 

In this age of tech innovation, it is essential to recognize that human rights should remain at the core of our digital endeavours. By prioritizing and upholding fundamental principles such as privacy, freedom of expression, and non-discrimination, we can shape a future where technology serves as a catalyst for positive social change and inclusive development. 

4.0 Conclusion/ Recommendations:

As we navigate the complex terrain of AI and human rights, we must be both visionaries and pragmatists. We stand on the brink of a world where AI could be the greatest protector of human rights we have ever known, or the most pervasive violator of our freedoms.

The path we choose will shape not just our digital future, but the very nature of human society. It's a journey that requires the collective wisdom of technologists, ethicists, policymakers, and citizens alike.

To navigate the digital frontier, we must prioritize human rights and ensure that technology serves humanity, not the other way around.  This requires a multifaceted approach that involves governments, corporations, civil society, and individuals.

Firstly, individuals must take an active role in protecting their own human rights online. This includes being mindful of online privacy settings, using secure communication channels, and speaking out against online harassment. 

The government must create and enforce regulations that protect human rights in the digital sphere. This includes data protection laws, online privacy regulations, and policies to prevent cyberbullying and harassment. 

Also, corporations must prioritize ethical considerations in their development and deployment of technology. This includes ensuring that AI systems are transparent, accountable, and free from bias. 

Furthermore, civil society organizations also have a vital role to play in promoting human rights in the digital age. They must continue to advocate for human rights, raise awareness about the impacts of digital technologies on human rights, and push for accountability and transparency from governments and corporations.

In addition, international cooperation is crucial to address the global nature of digital technologies. Governments, corporations, and civil society organizations must work together to develop and implement global standards and regulations that protect human rights in the digital age. 

Furthermore, education and awareness-raising efforts are essential to empower individuals to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. This includes digital literacy programs, online safety awareness campaigns, and human rights education.  Research and development are necessary to ensure that new technologies are designed and deployed in ways that respect and promote human rights. 

Also, the private sector must also play a crucial role in promoting human rights in the digital age. Companies must ensure that their products and services respect human rights and do not contribute to violations. This includes implementing human rights due diligence, conducting impact assessments, and providing remedies for any adverse impacts. 

In conclusion, navigating the digital frontier requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes human rights, promotes responsible innovation, and fosters international cooperation. It requires a collaborative effort from the government, corporations, civil society organizations, and individuals to ensure that technology serves humanity and promotes human rights for all.  Our voice, our choices, and our actions will help determine whether AI becomes a force for liberation or a tool of oppression.