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Tech and Human Rights
Given the rapid advancement of AI and other forms of digital transformation, we are committed to helping shape a digital future grounded in transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and human rights.
Drawing on our past work incubating innovations in data governance, open data platforms, case management systems, and monitoring internet freedoms, we support the application of new technologies for social good including enhancing access to justice, information and public services.
At the same time, recognizing the threats to human rights posed by technology, we work with communities and partners to develop and implement strategies to strengthen data sovereignty and equity, and bolstering civil society resilience to digital threats, digital repression, and erosion of human rights. We advance this priority through a series of integrated efforts—spanning civic technology, digital inclusion, AI governance, and strategic legal advocacy
WHAT WE DO
Promote Transparency through Technology
Recognizing the immense promise of information and communication technologies (ICT) to make government and information more accessible and useful to citizens and advocates, we leverage a range of technologies to enhance the impact of our work. Our successful and sustainable initiatives have ranged from automating hundreds of courts in Eastern Europe to pioneering open data platforms in Asia to make previously inaccessible data public in a politically neutral “just the facts” way, while supporting our partners in both civil society and government to build their capacity to co-design, manage, and use these platforms and technologies.
Support Digital Equity and Inclusion
Technological innovations, including AI, digital mapping, and open data platforms, have the potential to perpetuate historical marginalization and exclusion if not developed, deployed, and maintained in ways that consider the lived experiences and needs of historically marginalized people and populations. To combat this, our initiatives promote digital equity and inclusion, including empowering Indigenous communities to manage and govern their own data and building the capacity of the Indigenous women to contribute to water governance issues in their communities. We also support networks that bring underrepresented perspectives on technology use and impact into the conversation.
Combat Digital Threats to Human Rights and Democracy
As technology’s role increases in everyday life—from AI to social media—so does its potential to hinder the ability of communities to fully and safely participate in civic dialogue. Equipped with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to digital repression for community advocates, we support collaborative efforts to monitor digital interference and restrictions on freedom of expression, provide legal support to human rights defenders facing digital threats, and support legal advocacy and civil society action to expand internet freedoms. We work with partners to raise awareness of and combat technology-facilitated gender-based violence and engage in global networks and research on responsible AI.