ISLAMABAD, Sep 25 (APP):A seminar held on the sidelines of the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council has highlighted concerns over the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and surveillance technologies and their possible impact on civil and political rights in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The seminar, titled “Artificial Intelligence: Impacts on Civil and Political Rights,” was organised by the Community Human Rights Advocacy Centre (CHRAC). …
UN seminar highlights AI-related rights concerns in IIOJK
ISLAMABAD, Sep 25 (APP):A seminar held on the sidelines of the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council has highlighted concerns over the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and surveillance technologies and their possible impact on civil and political rights in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The seminar, titled “Artificial Intelligence: Impacts on Civil and Political Rights,” was organised by the Community Human Rights Advocacy Centre (CHRAC).
The speakers said AI technologies could amplify surveillance, profiling and information control, particularly in highly securitised environments, said a press received here on Friday.
They raised concerns over the use of biometric systems, CCTV networks, mobile monitoring and algorithmic content moderation, saying such technologies could affect the rights to privacy and freedom of expression.
Representative of the World Muslim Congress Altaf Hussain Wani highlighted the link between emerging technologies and state control, while CHRAC representative Dr Muzmil Ayoob Thakur spoke about what he described as an “accountability gap” faced by victims of algorithmic harms.
Zaffar Ahmed Qurashi of the Global Kashmir Alliance discussed communications shutdowns and the impact of content moderation on independent voices in Kashmir.
Research scholar at the University of Geneva Sajjad Ali highlighted concerns surrounding biometric systems and predictive policing, stressing the need for independent oversight.
The participants also raised allegations concerning the use of sophisticated spyware, including Pegasus, and the possible use of biometric identification for tracking and detention.
The seminar called upon the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to prepare a thematic report on AI and surveillance technologies in highly securitised environments, including IIOJK.
The participants also urged the Human Rights Council to consider safeguards on the export of intrusive AI surveillance technologies and called on member states to introduce human rights impact assessments for high-risk AI systems.
The seminar further called on technology companies to conduct human rights due diligence and avoid contracts that could contribute to rights violations.
