2019 UN Forum on Business and Human Rights

Session organized by the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, the Human Rights Center of the University of Minnesota Law School and Article One

Webcast of the session:
Meeting link
Meeting number: 840 079 851
Password: rBEJX7Zh

Session Overview and Objectives:
Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, such as facial recognition and drones are reshaping the military and security sectors, including how military and law enforcement operations are conducted. Among others, the value and practical benefits of biometric data is increasingly acknowledged, including in the context of addressing trans-border challenges in intelligence gathering and law enforcement. While there are opportunities for technology to enhance the efficiency of military, law enforcement and counter-terrorism measures, thereby enabling better protection of populations, including of civilians in situations of armed conflict, security and military applications of such powerful technology also draw significant human rights concerns.
Companies are at the forefront of such developments with governments relying on them at the design, development and implementation stages of AI and biometric technologies and policies built on their use. Through an interactive discussion session and drawing on multidisciplinary and cross-regional expertise, using the lens of the Protect, Respect, Remedy Framework set out in the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the session will explore the risks and opportunities that AI and biometric data can pose to human rights in security and military sectors. It will highlight different approaches by relevant stakeholders, including companies, states and civil society organizations to ensure responsible development, sale, and use of such technology, with emphasis on both state obligations and corporate responsibility in line with international human rights standards.
The session will seek to inform the mandate of the Special Rapporteur in developing Guiding Principles on the human rights-compliant use of biometric technologies and data while countering terrorism.

Format of the session:
The panel discussion will be open to participants of the Forum and will be held in English. The discussion will be led by the moderator who will begin with opening remarks, introducing the issues to be discussed (5-7 minutes).
Two rounds of interactive discussion of 20-25 minutes each will follow, led by the moderator, allowing each panelist three to five minutes of initial speaking time. The rest of the time will be dedicated to interaction between participants and panelists. Participants will be encouraged to intervene in an interactive way, through questions, comments and sharing of experiences, best practices and challenges, as well as suggested recommendations on the way forward, with a view to stimulating constructive debate.
At the end of the panel discussion, panelists will be given three minutes each to make their concluding remarks.