Amnesty International’s Research Briefing Raises Concerns About Human Rights Violations at Borders Due to Technology

Amnesty International Exposes Growing Human Rights Violations at Borders Due to Technology

A recent research briefing by Amnesty International has shed light on the concerning trend of human rights violations at borders, exacerbated by the use of technology. The briefing, released on Tuesday, highlights the systemic exploitation of new technologies by both state and non-state actors, calling for stricter regulation to address the issue.

The use of invasive technologies at borders has led to violations of various human rights, including the right to privacy, non-discrimination, equality, and the right to seek asylum. Migrants, asylum-seekers, and refugees are particularly vulnerable to these violations, as technologies such as biometric sensors and drone surveillance further jeopardize their well-being.

Private companies play a significant role in the development and deployment of these technologies, often profiting from the data obtained. States also bear responsibility, as they frequently experiment with new technologies on those who are least able to protect their rights or seek redress when harmed.

In a world where forced displacement has affected millions of people, urgent action is needed to address these human rights violations. Amnesty International fellow Eliza Aspen emphasized the importance of holding both states and private companies accountable for respecting the rights of individuals on the move.

Amnesty International’s recommendations include prohibiting AI-based emotion recognition tools, holding technology companies liable for human rights harms, and conducting human rights impact assessments before and during the deployment of digital technologies. Private companies are urged to incorporate safeguards into their technologies, conduct human rights due diligence, and prioritize consent and agency over personal data.

This briefing is part of a series by Amnesty International on the intersection between technology and inequality. A previous report in May exposed the harms caused by the use of the CBP One mobile app on asylum seekers in the United States, highlighting violations of international human rights and refugee laws.

As technology continues to advance rapidly, these briefings serve as crucial reminders of the need for responsible state and corporate action to protect human rights and prevent further harm inflicted by invasive technologies at borders.