Digitalization and New Technologies

Are new means and methods of warfare compatible with existing international humanitarian law (IHL) rules? What challenges do big data and artificial intelligence (AI) cause to human rights? How to ensure the right to privacy and protection of the private sphere in times of war and peace?

New technologies, digitalization, and big data are reshaping our societies and the way they organize. While technological advancements present tremendous opportunities and promises, rapid developments in AI, automation or robotics raise a series of questions about their impact in times of peace and war.

Our research in this domain explores whether these new developments are compatible with existing rules and whether international human rights law and IHL continue to provide the level of protection they are meant to ensure.

 

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OUR PROJECTS

Past projects

RESEARCH

Disruptive Technologies and Rights-Based Resilience

Completed in 2022

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RESEARCH

HUMAN RIGHTS, BIG DATA AND TECHNOLOGY PROJECT

Completed in 2021

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RESEARCH

Human Rights in the Digital Age

Completed in 2020

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RESEARCH

Autonomous Weapon Systems under International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law

Completed in 2017

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RESEARCH

The Right to Privacy in the Digital Age

Completed in 2016

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RESEARCH

Armed Drones and Autonomous Weapon Systems under International Law

Completed in 2015

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RESEARCH

Non-Kinetic-Energy Weapons

Completed in 2011

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Related News and Events

A person with a portable brain scanner News

New Paper Sets the Scene for Neurotechnology Regulation and the Role of Human Rights

4 December 2023

Our new Research Brief The Evolving Neurotechnology Landscape: Examining the Role and Importance of Human Rights in Regulation provides a comprehensive background analysis on the complexities of regulating neurotechnology and the role of human rights in this process and marks the inception of our research project on neurotechnology and human rights.

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Panelists at the expert meeting News

Rising Civilian Involvement in Cyber Warfare: Legal Implications and Solutions Explored during Expert Meeting

20 October 2023

Our recent expert meeting, conducted in collaboration with the ICRC, addressed the growing involvement of civilians in cyber and digital operations during armed conflicts.

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Dr Erica Harper at the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee News

Our Expert Inputs UN Discussion on the Regulation of Emerging Military Technologies

11 August 2023

Dr Harper shed light on military technologies’ potential impact on human rights and addressed the risks associated with the cross-application of these technologies and the related need for regulation.

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