The use of automated data-processing techniques raises challenges not only for the specific policy area in which they are operated, but also for society as a whole. The right to life, the right to fair trial, the presumption of innocence, the right to privacy and freedom of expression, workers’ rights, the right to free elections, and the rule of law itself are all impacted.
The impact of ‘algorithms’ used by the public and private sector, in particular by internet platforms, on the exercise of human rights and the possible regulatory implications has become one of the most hotly debated questions today.
The Council of Europe expert study on the human rights dimensions of automated data processing techniques (in particular algorithms) and possible regulatory implications maps out the main concerns from a human rights perspective and seeks to identify possible regulatory options to minimise adverse effects or to promote good practices. The Leaflet on Algorithms and Human Rights summarizes the main proposed measures in the fields of research and analysis, due diligence, accountability, transparency and awareness-raising.
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