Summary

In the present report, the Independent Expert on the effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations of States on the full enjoyment of all human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights, focuses on the implications of the digital economy on the enjoyment of human rights. Technological innovations in the economic sphere have the potential to impact people’s daily lives in both positive and negative ways. In order to fully reap the benefits of this technological progress while minimizing the potential for harm, the development and deployment of new technologies forming a part of the digital economy must be rooted in human rights.

In her report, the Independent Expert reflects on issues such as the lack of transparency of cross-border financial transactions, the difficulty of prosecuting cases involving illicit financial flows in the digital world and taxing digital platforms or companies, as well as the lack of access to technological resources in developing countries and increasing socioeconomic inequalities. The report also focuses on new digital lending practices, digital financial services, cryptocurrencies, blockchains, non-fungible tokens and encryption systems, among others.

To address these challenges, the Independent Expert calls for the application of the rights and principles related to privacy, access to information, participation, accountability, transparency and fiscal legitimacy, as well as for international cooperation and assistance, to the development and deployment of digital technologies in the economy.