Technology and Human Rights

The Human Rights Initiative considers both the promise and threat that technology poses for human rights and how it impacts civil society

Research examines how governments can deploy technology to serve national security and foreign policy interests in a more rights-respecting manner, and the responsibility of technology companies to carry out adequate due diligence on customers and users of their products.

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Export Controls and Human Rights: An Emerging Technology Agenda

Export controls can help limit authoritarian regimes’ access to surveillance technology made in democracies, but they cannot prevent such regimes from developing and selling that technology to each other.  

Commentary by Emily Benson and Catharine Mouradian — November 29, 2023

The Right to Be Left Alone: Privacy in a Rapidly Changing World

The world is changing, but the need for privacy and human rights in a democratic society remains constant. Governments should tailor surveillance to what is necessary to achieve public interests without unduly infringing on the privacy rights of the broader population.

Commentary by Caitlin Chin-Rothmann — November 29, 2023

Cyber Scamming as a New Destination for Human Trafficking Victims

Over 100,000 people have been trafficked to compounds in Southeast Asia where they are forced to conduct cyber scams. Preventing victim recruitment and combating the corruption that enables this crime to thrive will require collaboration from governments, NGOs, and the private sector.

Critical Questions by Lauren Burke Preputnik, Liam Hamama , and ​Marti Flacks — August 17, 2023

The Expanding Use of Technology to Manage Migration

Through two case studies of migration, this report analyzes the use of migration management technologies by origin countries, the growing influence of destination countries over their decisionmaking, and the human rights risks associated with these uses.

Report by ​Marti Flacks, Erol Yayboke, Lauren Burke Preputnik, and Anastasia Strouboulis — March 6, 2023

Addressing Fragility in Libya Means Protecting Migrant Rights

Migration management and state fragility are intricately related in Libya, and those interested in stabilization should learn from the shortcomings of past efforts. Doing so will require more than just focusing on stopping flows via the securitization of migration.

Commentary by Lauren Burke Preputnik and Erol Yayboke — February 27, 2023