Impact of New Technology and AI Utilization at Borders on Inequalities and Human Rights of Migrants in Africa and Globally

Amnesty International's Latest Research Briefing Highlights Technology's Role in Border Human Rights Violations and Calls for Suspension of Use Until Human Rights Compliance is Ensured

In a newly published research briefing, Amnesty International delves into the significant impact of technology on the escalating instances of human rights violations at borders. The organization urges states to halt the utilization of such technologies until they can guarantee that their implementation does not infringe upon human rights.

Titled "The Digital Border: Migration, Technology, and Inequality," the briefing provides a comprehensive overview of how the adoption of new technologies by various entities, including governmental and non-governmental actors, within global migration systems contributes to the exacerbation of human rights issues. The briefing sheds light on the ways in which these technologies are utilized and emphasizes the urgent need for safeguards to prevent human rights violations in border management practices.

Eliza Aspen, a fellow with Amnesty International, emphasized the importance of prioritizing human rights over private profit, stating, "The protection of human rights must not be sacrificed for the sake of private profit." Aspen highlighted that while states are not obligated to prioritize private companies, they do have a responsibility to ensure that both state and non-state actors uphold the human rights of individuals in transit.

Furthermore, the utilization of these technologies has been found to amplify existing racial, economic, and social disparities at borders and in broader contexts. Migrant workers and individuals with precarious citizenship statuses are frequently impacted by these inequalities, facing heightened risks and vulnerabilities as a result of the technological advancements in border control and migration systems.

As outlined in the briefing, a significant number of digital tools utilized in the management of human movement are created, marketed, and implemented by private corporations. These companies often operate with business models that prioritize the collection and exploitation of data for financial gain.

The intrusive nature of these technologies poses significant threats to the safety and rights of individuals crossing borders in search of refuge and the opportunity to seek asylum. The deployment of data-intensive technologies, including advanced biometric sensors and drone surveillance systems, in border regions can exacerbate the vulnerabilities of displaced populations. These technologies, often with military-grade capabilities, have the potential to inflict additional harm on individuals who are already at heightened risk of exploitation and marginalization due to their need to flee perilous situations in their home countries.

Eliza Aspen emphasized the critical need for governments globally to take action in regulating the uncontrolled advancement and implementation of detrimental technologies. It is imperative for governments to fulfill their responsibilities under international human rights law to safeguard the rights of refugees and migrants.

Aspen further stressed that companies involved in the development of such technologies should integrate protective measures into their practices. Conducting human rights due diligence and data impact assessments prior to the deployment of these technologies is essential to prevent abuses from occurring, rather than addressing them after harm has already been inflicted.

The briefing builds upon a recent report by Amnesty International regarding the CBP One mobile application, which has been implicated in perpetuating abuses against individuals seeking asylum in the United States. Amnesty International urges both states and companies to confront and rectify systemic racism present in their border management strategies. Additionally, the organization calls for a cessation of the development and utilization of invasive technologies that jeopardize the safety and well-being of individuals.