UN agencies call for data protection and privacy rights in COVID-19 response
The United Nations and its specialised agencies have published a joint statement underscoring that any data collection, use or processing by organisations in the UN family in the context of the pandemic should be “rooted in human rights” and implemented in line with the UN’s principles on personal data and privacy. Among others, such processing should be limited in scope and time, and necessary and proportionate for achieving a specific and legitimate aim in responding to the pandemic.
In May, the WHO had published interim guidance for public health programs and governments on the use of digital technology for COVID-19 contact tracing, recommending that the sharing of data with law enforcement or immigration departments or agencies be prohibited.
New reports expose discriminatory impact of migration management technologies
European Digital Rights (EDRI) has released a new report that looks at migration management technologies used before reaching the border, at the borders and beyond. The report raises concerns about bias in the use of such technologies, stressing the fact that technology replicates power relations in society and thus can exacerbate racism and discrimination. The authors express concerns that migrants are being targeted for technological experimentation with severe impacts on their lives and rights.
A recent report by the UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism confirms the risks of racist bias in migration management technologies and underlines that “smart borders” can be deadlier than other border enforcement regimes.
UN agencies call for data protection and privacy rights in COVID-19 response
The United Nations and its specialised agencies have published a joint statement underscoring that any data collection, use or processing by organisations in the UN family in the context of the pandemic should be “rooted in human rights” and implemented in line with the UN’s principles on personal data and privacy. Among others, such processing should be limited in scope and time, and necessary and proportionate for achieving a specific and legitimate aim in responding to the pandemic.
In May, the WHO had published interim guidance for public health programs and governments on the use of digital technology for COVID-19 contact tracing, recommending that the sharing of data with law enforcement or immigration departments or agencies be prohibited.
New reports expose discriminatory impact of migration management technologies
European Digital Rights (EDRI) has released a new report that looks at migration management technologies used before reaching the border, at the borders and beyond. The report raises concerns about bias in the use of such technologies, stressing the fact that technology replicates power relations in society and thus can exacerbate racism and discrimination. The authors express concerns that migrants are being targeted for technological experimentation with severe impacts on their lives and rights.
A recent report by the UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism confirms the risks of racist bias in migration management technologies and underlines that “smart borders” can be deadlier than other border enforcement regimes.