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1. Freedom of Thought: Reviving and Protecting a Forgotten Human Right

Author:
Susie Alegre and Aaron Shull
Publication Date:
09-2024
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
Abstract:
Freedom of thought is an essential plank of the international human rights framework and an inviolable freedom. It has been described by legal experts as not only the foundation of democratic society and the basis and origin of all other rights but also as a “forgotten right” that has languished unused in international human rights law for decades. However, the importance of this right and the need to protect it are becoming more urgent in the digital world. To illustrate the risks emerging technologies present to freedom of thought, Susie Alegre and Aaron Shull outline four contemporary use cases — ranging from the least invasive (data-driven persuasive technologies) to the most invasive (brain-computer interfaces) — that raise many questions: Where does the line fall between our inner thoughts and our expression of those thoughts? What does “consent” mean with respect to technologies that interface with the mind? How can inferences about our inner lives be used against us? And, critically, where is the boundary between lawful influence and unlawful manipulation of our thoughts? Over the past 10 years, recognition has been growing that the right to freedom of thought is key to our future relationship with technology. Alegre and Shull write that an authoritative statement made at the international level on the scope of the right to freedom of thought and its relationship to technology would assist domestic and regional courts, regulators and policy makers grappling with these deeply complex policy areas.
Topic:
Human Rights, International Cooperation, Science and Technology, and Freedom of Thought
Political Geography:
Global Focus

2. Responsible Innovation in Disruptive Digital and Data Technologies

Author:
Paul Samson, Constance de Leusse, Paul Fehlinger, and Aaron Shull
Publication Date:
12-2023
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
Abstract:
As the world grapples with rapid technological change that has the capacity to affect every aspect of human life, “responsible innovation” is key to ensuring that this transformation is shaped in a way that benefits society as a whole while minimizing risks. A joint effort by the Centre for International Governance Innovation and Project Liberty, this policy brief explores seven “verticals” that will guide this technological evolution (artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, neurotechnology, Web3, digital public infrastructure, extended reality and biocomputing) and four “horizontals” (macroeconomics, geopolitics, climate change and regulation) that will shape the medium-term impact of these verticals. Using responsible innovation in the development and application of these technologies can help mitigate their disruptive potential. This approach involves looking at how to reduce the possible negative consequences of an innovation while maximizing its benefits for everyone, and focusing attention on innovation aimed at our greatest shared challenges.
Topic:
Science and Technology, Innovation, Data, and Emerging Technology
Political Geography:
Global Focus

3. Next-Generation Technology and Electoral Democracy: Understanding the Changing Environment

Author:
Samantha Bradshaw, Kailee Hilt, Eric Jardine, Florian Kerschbaum, Ulrike Klinger, Michael Pal, Aaron Shull, and Wesley Wark
Publication Date:
03-2022
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
Abstract:
Democracies around the world are facing growing threats to their electoral systems in the digital age. Foreign interference in the form of dis- and misinformation has already influenced the results of democratic elections and altered the course of history. This special report, the result of a research project conducted in partnership with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Canada, examines these cyberthreats from a Canadian and German perspective. Both Canada and Germany share common goals centred around protecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and international peace and security. Using case studies from experts in fields such as computer science, law and public policy, the special report offers recommendations to guide policy makers and stakeholders on how to protect elections from next-generation technologies and the threats they pose to democracy.
Topic:
Environment, Science and Technology, Elections, Democracy, and Emerging Technology
Political Geography:
Europe, Canada, Germany, and North America