Тhe technology is developing at an exceptional speed and has a significant impact on our lives. Nearly every aspect of our daily lives is connected to some technological solution. We are presented with economic and social benefits that provide opportunities for employment, innovation, and societal development.
Despite the positive aspects, these technologies also carry risks that often go unnoticed. Some technology companies report cases of violations of personal freedom, mass surveillance of citizens, ethnic conflicts, and discrimination against vulnerable groups. There is a growing need for better regulation and protection of people’s rights, accompanied by more effective identification of risks and clear solutions for their protection.
The Solution
B-tech Project is an initiative led by the OHCHR (United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner) that combines resources and guidelines gathered through consultations with policymakers, technological companies, representatives of the tech industry, the academic community, civil organizations, and affected individuals. The project aims to present solutions for states and businesses by applying the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Launched in 2019, the project is developed in four interconnected streams and covers: business models and human rights risks; due diligence process; human rights impacts related to end-use (products and services), and the role of regulations in addressing challenges related to human rights. Numerous reports, consultations with various stakeholders, guidelines, and blogs on current topics have been developed during the project.
For Business
From the investors’ perspective, a tool has been developed focusing on investments in technology companies that respect human rights. This tool aims to prepare institutional investors who have the leverage to influence tech companies on how to integrate risk assessment and respect for human rights into their operations, products, and services. Following a series of questions, investors have the opportunity to assess potential risks along with companies and examine how they are connected to their business models. The technology industry actively seeks solutions to the unintended consequences of the digital revolution.
The human rights impact assessment (HRIA) serves as a tool connecting companies and stakeholders. By gathering necessary information about the specific needs and experiences of consumers, companies inform their engineers and product developers about the potential risks and concerns that people are experiencing. The human rights impacts assessment demonstrates that by prioritizing consumer needs companies can contribute to the creation of a more open, safer, and better world.
