Counterterrorism ‘rhetoric’ used to justify the rise of surveillance technology: human rights expert
IN a report to the latest session of Dong Nhan Quyen AssociationUnited Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the fight against terrorism, Fionnuala Ni Aolainwarns of an alarming increase in the use of “intrusive and high-risk technologies,” according to a press release from the United Nations human rights office (OHCHR).
This includes drones, biometrics, artificial intelligence (AI) and spyware, she said, which are being pushed forward in the ongoing war on terror without paying due attention to rule of law, governance and human rights.
Exceptions become the norm
“Special justifications for the use of surveillance technologies in ‘gentle’ human rights fighting terrorism often turns into mundane routine use,” said Ní Aoláin, pointing to the impact on fundamental rights such as freedom of movement, freedom of speech, freedom of peaceful assembly, and the right to privacy.
“The use of high-risk technologies must be halted until appropriate safeguards are in place,” she speaks.
An independent expert appointed by the Human Rights Council expressed concern about the increase tame the use of drones In some countries, the widespread abuse of spyware technology against civil society groups, dissidents, and journalistsand the increasing adoption of biometric data collection.
‘Unregulated transfers’ must stop
“Unregulated transfer of high-risk technologies to participating countries Systematic human rights violations must end,” said the Special Rapporteur. She called on the authorities regulate more effectively participating firms in the transfer of surveillance technology abroad.
Fionnuala Ni Aolain, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights while fighting terrorism.
Ms. Ní Aoláin said: “In the absence of regulation, the price to pay for human rights can only increase without end.
Global ban on ‘killer robots’
She join calls for a global ban on lethal automated weapon systems and emphasizes the specific obligations of the various United Nations counterterrorism agencies to ensure that any guidance and advice provided on new technology is fully consistent with unchartedand international law.
Instead, she presented to the Council in her new report a new and innovative approach to regulating spyware, which will focus on ensuring that “minimum human rights standards ” is adopted by both governments and companies in the development, use and delivery of high-profile spyware. -Risk monitoring technology.
