Expert Seminar on Artificial Intelligence and the Right to Privacy, 27-28 May 2020

Background

Pursuant to Human Rights Council Resolution 42/15 adopted on 26 September 2019 (A/HRC/RES/42/15), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights organised an expert seminar to discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) affects the enjoyment of the right to privacy and to articulate the safeguards necessary to promote and protect the right to privacy in the digital age.

The expert seminar took place over two afternoons on 27 and 28 May 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure the broadest participation, the seminar was held online.

One important area of discussion was the specific challenges for the right to privacy that the rapidly increasing use of AI brings about. The seminar also highlighted the key role that privacy plays in safeguarding other human rights affected by AI. It also articulated safeguards and processes that States, businesses and international organisations are required to put in place to promote and protect the right to privacy in the digital age.

Documentation

• Concept note
• Programme
• Report of the proceedings
• Watch the recordings of the expert seminar

List of experts

• Rachad Alao, Engineering Director, Facebook
• Renata Avila, Executive Director, Fundación Ciudadanía Inteligente
• Eduardo Bertoni, Director, Argentina National Access to Public Information Agency
• Joe Cannataci, UN Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy
• Chenai Chair, Web Foundation Gender and Digital Rights Research Manager and Mozilla Tech Policy Fellow
• Isabel Ebert, Researcher, Institute for Business Ethics, University St Gallen
• Teki Akuetteh Falconer, Director, Africa Digital Rights Hub
• Fanny Hidvégi, European Policy Manager, Access Now, Brussels
• Sophie Kwasny, Head of Data Protection Unit, Council of Europe
• Vidushi Marda, Digital Programme Officer, Article 19
• Lorna McGregor, Director, Human Rights, Big Data and Technology Project, Essex Law School
• Yves-Alexandre de Montjoye, Assistant Professor, Imperial College
• Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism
• Mila Romanoff, Privacy Officer, UN Global Pulse
• Amos Toh, Senior Researcher, Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Human Rights Watch