Technology Human Rights

1.5 Credits · Level: Graduate, Juris Doctor

Students will learn about technology and human rights from a practitioner's perspective, with a focus on business and human rights, including the history of the field and today's most pressing issues: AI governance, mis- and disinformation, algorithmic bias, censorship, surveillance, hate speech, internet shutdowns, encryption, content moderation, and digital inclusion. We'll cover international human rights law and norms and explore how they apply to global technology companies. We'll look at how technology products intersect with rights like privacy, free speech, and non-discrimination. We'll take an in-depth look at practical steps tech companies can take to make responsible decisions on human rights issues, including how they structure teams, create rights-based policies, engage key stakeholders, run impact assessments, and hold themselves accountable. We'll also look at regulatory environments that support a free, open, secure, and interoperable internet. In each class, we'll reserve time to discuss the latest technology and human rights news. We'll also hear in person from 2-3 technology and human rights practitioners from companies, civil society, and government.