RightsCon Tunis 2019

AI has been recognized as an enabler of the SDGs supporting States in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. However, the deployment of AI in the Global South faces challenges and may bring about particular risks to the enjoyment of human rights, including the right to privacy. One key problem is that most of the debates around the opportunities and challenges afforded by AI are taking place in fora reflecting the views, experiences and interests of stakeholders from the Global North. Moreover, many countries lack institutional and legal frameworks for dealing with AI-related privacy threats. These and others factors can be major roadblocks for deployments of AI that respect and promote the right to privacy. This roundtable will map challenges to the right to privacy brought about by AI in the Global South, addressing questions such as: what legal and institutional safeguards need to be in place to reign in privacy risks? How can data-driven approaches augment social and economic development while protecting the privacy of all individuals? How can local, community-driven solutions be supported? It also will connect key actors and identify the next steps to be taken.