Counter-terrorism ‘narrative’ used to justify rise of surveillance technology: human rights expert

In a report to the new session of the Human Rights Council, the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights while combating terrorism, Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, warned of a dramatic increase in the use of “intrusive and high-risk technologies ”, according to a press release issued by the UN Office of Human Rights (OHCHR).

This includes drones, biometrics, artificial intelligence (AI) and spyware, which are raised in the ongoing fight against terrorism, without due respect for the rule of law, governance and human rights, he said.

Exception becomes the norm

“There are unique justifications for using surveillance technologies The humanitarian ‘Lite’ counter-terrorism program often turns into a permanent regular use“Ms. Ní Aoláin said, referring to the impact on fundamental rights such as freedom of movement, freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and the right to privacy.

“There must be a moratorium on the use of high-risk technologies until adequate safeguards are in place,” he said.

The Human Rights Commission has appointed an independent expert expressing concern about the development domestication of the use of drones in different countries, the the widespread use of spyware technology against civil society groups, dissidents and journalistsand increasing biometric data collection.

‘Unregulated transfers’ must end

“Unregulated transfer of dangerous technologies to importing states systematic human rights violations must end“The Special Reporter said. He urged the authorities to more want to regulate the house in taking surveillance technologies abroad.

“In the absence of regulation, the cost to human rights can only increase with no end in sight,” said Ms Ní Aoláin.

Global ban on ‘killer robots’

Sister join the call for a global ban on autonomous weapons systems and it shows the important commitments of the various UN anti-terrorism organizations to ensure that any guidance and advice provided on new technologies is fully consistent with the UN Charter, and international law.

Instead, he presented to the Commission in his latest report a new and innovative approach to controlling spyware, which will focus on ensuring that “minimum human rights standards” are used, by both governments and companies, in development, use and transfer of height. – risk monitoring technologies.