Human Rights in the Digital Age

In our current digital age, digital technology has become widely accessible to the majority of humanity. Almost everyone uses their own personal computer and smartphone, surfing the web and social networks. On occasion, digital technology is replacing human interaction, including in the realm of decision making. All of these changes vastly impact – for better or for worse – our human rights. Take, for example the impact the sharp increase in both the amount of widely accessible information and ability to broadly disseminate it, has on freedom of expression, freedom of information, the right to privacy and a reputation. Moreover, technological developments that enable masses of data to be gathered, stored, and retrieved for a range of purposes, impact the right to privacy and personal security.

ACRI works with governmental agencies and corporations to defend human rights in the digital age. Among the issues we address are:

●    Freedom of expression in the digital age: Blocking websites and removing content; censorship in social media; the implementation of cybercrime laws and the proliferation of SLAPP suits; cyberbullying and cyber-racism; freedom of expression for workers online; and hate speech online.

●    Privacy in a digital world: Privacy on social media; security cameras; databases.

●    Law enforcement and intelligence collection in the digital age: Gathering data from social media regarding communication and content for police investigative purposes; searching smartphones.