Digital technologies have the potential to stimulate progress and strengthen rights, in particular the connection of people, improve access to health and education, and much more.
But the pace of their evolution also poses serious risks, warned Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights-from restrictions on freedom of expression and privacy violations to discrimination and growing threats of our shared sense of truth and our reality.
“” It is precisely in the face of a massive change, that we need more human rights, no less“He said on Monday, addressing a high-level event on the Twentieth anniversary of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in Geneva.
Prioritize
During this period of scanning change, human rights must be prioritized and used as a plan for action.
“” Legal obligations and legal duties to respect human rights offer advice to combat disinformation and protect our data against illegal use“, Underlined Mr. Türk.
These advice also help to counter algorithmic biases, digital hate speech and promote inclusive trust and digital decision -making.
Role of WSIS
Founded in 2001, the WSIS inaugural took place in two phases in December 2003 (Geneva) and November 2005 (Tunis).
Since then, the forum has brought together various stakeholders to collaborate in digital governance and promote a digital landscape which is focused on people, inclusive and oriented towards development.
“” [The WSIS] helped create a space for states, technological companies, civil society and others to exploit the power of information and communication technologies for development, “said Türk.
Look forward to
The High Commissioner stressed that the coming months will see critical decisions on the regulation of the digital sphere, including new UN mechanisms on AI and data governance.
“” We have an opportunity window to make a difference“, He concluded.
“We must unite their forces – states, technological companies, international organizations, civil society and others – for Work towards an inclusive and open digital environment for everyone, everywhere. “”
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
