Digital Rights & Privacy

Digital rights encompass the human rights dimensions of data privacy, surveillance, algorithmic decision-making, artificial intelligence, and access to digital technologies.

As digital technologies become pervasive, their impacts on human rights — both positive and negative — have become a critical ESG issue. The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) established a comprehensive framework for data protection, influencing legislation worldwide. The OECD AI Principles and the EU AI Act address the governance of artificial intelligence. Key issues include data privacy and protection (collection, use, storage, and sharing of personal data), surveillance and government access to data, algorithmic bias and discrimination, digital inclusion and the digital divide, content moderation and freedom of expression, and the use of AI in employment, credit, and criminal justice decisions. GRI 418 (Customer Privacy) requires disclosure of substantiated complaints regarding breaches of customer privacy and losses of customer data.

Further Reading

• UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
• ISO 26000 — Human rights guidance

Related Topics

• Human Rights Due Diligence
• Fundamental Labour Rights
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions