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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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 , and Anastasia Strouboulis — March 6, 2023

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Facing the Risk

Report by Amy K. Lehr and William Crumpler — July 27, 2021

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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 , 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 and Erol Yayboke — February 27, 2023

Promise and Peril: Migration Management Technologies in West Africa and Central America

In a series of panels focused on North Africa and the Northern Triangle, experts will discuss the threats posed by the misuse of migration management technology and the critical need for proper safeguards and human rights due diligence.  

Event by Erol Yayboke , ​Marti Flacks , William Brownfield , Badara Ndiaye , Amal El Ouassif , Caterina Rodelli , Ángela Alarcón , and Oscar Chacón — February 22, 2023

Ukrainian Refugees: Forced Displacement Response Goes Fully Digital

Digital tools are being used at historic levels for refugee assistance and protection services to Ukrainian refugees. What are the benefits and risks of deploying digital technologies at each stage of a refugee’s journey?

Report by Lauren Burke , Catherine Nzuki , Erol Yayboke , and Anastasia Strouboulis — June 23, 2022

Blockchain Technology: Human Rights Risks & Opportunities

Please join the CSIS Human Rights Initiative and Strategic Technologies Program on Wednesday, December 15 from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. EST for the launch of a new report: The Human Rights Risks and Opportunities in Blockchain.

Event by ​Marti Flacks , James Andrew Lewis , William Crumpler , Giulio Coppi , Mariam Turashvili , Trent Larson , and Isabel Ebert — December 15, 2021

The Human Rights Risks and Opportunities in Blockchain

This report considers the opportunities, risks, and challenges associated with the adoption of blockchain solutions in four use cases to understand the human rights impact of blockchain on supply chain transparency, voting, digital identity, and land rights management.

Report by William Crumpler — December 14, 2021

Facing the Risk

This report examines current trends in facial recognition development and deployment around the world to understand how the technology is being produced and used, and what can be done to ensure deployments respect fundamental human rights and freedoms.

Report by Amy K. Lehr and William Crumpler — July 27, 2021

China's New Era in Techno-Governance

Please join the CSIS Freeman Chair in China Studies and the CSIS Human Rights Initiative for a discussion of how technology is changing the way the CCP governs China.

Event by Jude Blanchette , Amy K. Lehr , Josh Chin , Kate O'Keeffe , and Christina Larson — November 6, 2019