Technology & Human Rights: Salient Risk Briefings

Our guidance for Engaging the ICT Sector on Human Rights informs institutional investors on the human rights expectations of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) companies and provides tailored guidance on addressing some of the salient human rights issues present in the sector. 

ICT is a broad, continuously evolving term that covers the intersection between broadcasting, telecommunications, and informatics and their associated devices, networking components, infrastructure, applications, and systems, allowing people and organizations to interact in the digital world.

While the ICT sector has a vital role to play in realizing human rights and in achieving the vision laid out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, ICT companies can also cause, contribute to or be directly linked to adverse impacts on individuals and society through their own activities and business relationships.

Each briefing provides investors with an overview of (1) relevant human rights instruments and authorities; (2) the real-world impacts of  ICT companies on the salient issue; (3) an assessment of the business case for engaging on this issue; (4) targeted guidance for investors to consider in their engagement with companies; and (5) practical examples of investor action.

1. Privacy and Data Protection

2. Freedom of Opinion and Expression

3. Conflict and Security

4. Discrimination

5. Political Participation

6. Child Rights

To become involved in the Investor Alliance efforts on technology and human rights, or to learn more, please contact Anita Dorett at adorett@iccr.org.