According to a research briefing released by Amnesty International, technology is contributing to an upward trend in human rights violations at borders. The briefing expounds upon the systematic exploitation of novel technologies by both state and non-state actors and urges for tighter regulation of such tools.
The intrusive technologies in question infringe on several human rights, including the right to privacy, non-discrimination, equality, and the right to apply for asylum. People crossing borders are especially susceptible to these infringements, as the briefing elucidates how migrants, asylum-seekers, and refugees are already at a high risk of exploitation and marginalization. Technologies like biometric sensors and drone surveillance are seen to further jeopardise their wellbeing.
Private companies have been marked out for their role in developing many of the technologies used for border policing and identification, and further, for profiting from the data these tools gather. However, the states deploying these technologies also bear some responsibility. The briefing highlights how states often test new technologies on those with the least power to protect their rights or seek recourse when harmed.
In light of this, the report calls for immediate action. The forced displacement of 110 million people in 2023 alone due to causes such as poverty, political oppression, and the climate crisis necessitates urgent measures. Amnesty International fellow Eliza Aspen has spoken out urging states to ensure both state and non-state actors respect the human rights of people on the move. This statement was followed by recommendations for states to prohibit AI-based emotion recognition tools, hold technology companies accountable for human rights violations, and conduct human rights and data protection impact assessments.
Not left out from the call for responsibility, private companies have been instructed to incorporate safeguards into their work and carry out human rights due diligence and data impact assessments in advance of deployment. The necessity and proportionality of their measures should be justified, and providers should prioritize obtaining consent and enabling agency over personal data usage.
This briefing is part of a series of four reports from Amnesty International USA, highlighting the relationship between technology and inequality. Earlier this month, Amnesty published a report about the adverse effects of the CBP One mobile app, a tool used for asylum applications in the US. The reports serve as reminders of state and corporate action and the potential harm invasive technology can cause if left unregulated.
Read the full article here.