Session
Organizer 1: Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Organizer 2: Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Organizer 3: Civil Society, African Group
Organizer 2: Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Organizer 3: Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 1: Nieves Molina, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 2: Gabrielle Guillemin, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 3: Chantal Joris, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 4: Rebecca Ryakitimbo, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 2: Gabrielle Guillemin, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 3: Chantal Joris, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 4: Rebecca Ryakitimbo, Civil Society, African Group
Format
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: As we aim to foster an interactive discussion we believe a U shaped room layout would be most appropriate. Given the complexity of the topic and to allow for both presentations and an interactive exchange, 90 minutes would be best suited for this discussion.
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: As we aim to foster an interactive discussion we believe a U shaped room layout would be most appropriate. Given the complexity of the topic and to allow for both presentations and an interactive exchange, 90 minutes would be best suited for this discussion.
Policy Question(s)
A. What responsibilities do tech companies have under the UN Guiding Principles on Human Rights when operating in conflict zones, and what steps should they take to uphold human rights and humanitarian law? Where are there normative gaps that require further guidance?
B. What policies and practices should tech companies adopt to mitigate the harms of government demands for censorship, surveillance, or service shutdowns?
C. What are States’ positive obligations to provide human rights-based responses to the challenges faced by tech companies operating in conflict zones?
What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants will engage in an interactive discussion to develop a shared understanding of Participants will engage in an interactive discussion to develop a shared understanding of the challenges faced by tech companies operating in conflict zones and how improving their practices can promote digital rights. The session will begin with a presentation on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo by a digital rights advocate, providing insights into how tech companies address lesser-known conflicts and the unique challenges they face in these regions. Participants will then hear a variety of perspectives on the challenges presented, from representatives of tech companies, independent state institutions and humanitarian law experts. They will learn about the responsibilities international humanitarian law places on tech companies and contribute to discussions on what third States outside conflict zones can do to ensure human rights-based responses.
Description:
As ‘information manipulation’, online censorship, internet shutdowns, and other restrictions on the free flow of information have increased during armed conflict, the role of tech companies has expanded. The uninterrupted operation of ISPs and telecommunications is vital for civilians to access lifesaving information. Online platforms have become a crucial channel for journalists and media to reach their audiences and document potential violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. At the same time - and specifically because of their key role in armed conflicts - tech companies face heightened risks of causing human rights violations, breaching international humanitarian law, and negatively influencing conflict dynamics. Conflict parties frequently rely on tech companies to monitor and censor expression online, whether at the infrastructure or the content layer, and often pressure them into restricting access to services. This can make it challenging for tech companies to uphold their responsibilities to respect international human rights and humanitarian law. At the same time, despite becoming key actors in armed conflict, tech companies have at times fallen short of expectations. Beyond conflict zones, States must also navigate the complexities of responding to challenges to the information ecosystem stemming from armed conflicts. The way they regulate tech companies, including social media companies, can directly shape the flow of information about a conflict. The roundtable will be led by experts from various stakeholder groups, including tech companies, independent state institutions, civil society actors from conflict-affected regions, and humanitarian law experts to discuss (i) the main challenges faced by tech companies in conflict settings ; (ii) how they can uphold their responsibility to respect international human rights and humanitarian law, including when faced with government demands that violate international standards; and (iii) States’ positive obligations, including non-belligerent States’, to find human rights-based responses to these challenges.
As ‘information manipulation’, online censorship, internet shutdowns, and other restrictions on the free flow of information have increased during armed conflict, the role of tech companies has expanded. The uninterrupted operation of ISPs and telecommunications is vital for civilians to access lifesaving information. Online platforms have become a crucial channel for journalists and media to reach their audiences and document potential violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. At the same time - and specifically because of their key role in armed conflicts - tech companies face heightened risks of causing human rights violations, breaching international humanitarian law, and negatively influencing conflict dynamics. Conflict parties frequently rely on tech companies to monitor and censor expression online, whether at the infrastructure or the content layer, and often pressure them into restricting access to services. This can make it challenging for tech companies to uphold their responsibilities to respect international human rights and humanitarian law. At the same time, despite becoming key actors in armed conflict, tech companies have at times fallen short of expectations. Beyond conflict zones, States must also navigate the complexities of responding to challenges to the information ecosystem stemming from armed conflicts. The way they regulate tech companies, including social media companies, can directly shape the flow of information about a conflict. The roundtable will be led by experts from various stakeholder groups, including tech companies, independent state institutions, civil society actors from conflict-affected regions, and humanitarian law experts to discuss (i) the main challenges faced by tech companies in conflict settings ; (ii) how they can uphold their responsibility to respect international human rights and humanitarian law, including when faced with government demands that violate international standards; and (iii) States’ positive obligations, including non-belligerent States’, to find human rights-based responses to these challenges.
Expected Outcomes
The roundtable will identify emerging challenges and strategies to improve tech companies' human rights records in conflict-affected regions. It will foster a shared understanding of tech companies' roles in armed conflicts, focusing on threats to freedom of expression and access to information, as well as the protections under international human rights and humanitarian law that should guide their actions. The session aims to pinpoint areas where further research is needed to build an evidence base on digital rights issues in conflict zones and the role of tech companies.
Hybrid Format: During the session, the on-site moderator will work closely with the online moderator to gather input from online participants via the chat function and facilitate oral contributions. The roundtable is a collaborative and participatory discussion format where a small group of individuals - which will join as both in person and online - will provide a series of introductory remarks to provide context or spark ideas. After the presentations, the focus will shift to an open and interactive discussion from all participants in the room, ensuring that we alternate between online and in person participants. Participants will share perspectives and collaborate on problem-solvings. The aim is to create a dynamic, inclusive exchange of knowledge and ideas.