Human rights in the age of

VIII. CONCLUSION
Artificial intelligence systems are changing the way things are done in companies and governments around 
the world, and bringing with them potential for significant interference with human rights. Data protection 
laws and safeguards for accountability and transparency, like those we have described in this paper, may be 
able to mitigate some of the worst uses known today, but more work is necessary to safeguard human rights 
as AI technology gets more sophisticated and expands into other areas. We hope this report helps to inspire 
deeper conversations in this crucial area for those who care about the future of human rights, and we look 
forward to engaging in those conversations.
129 In the U.S., many of the details of government use of algorithmic decision making system are hidden behind non-disclosure agreements and 
memorandums of understanding with vendors. See https://www.wired.com/story/when-government-rules-by-software-citizens-are-left-in-the-dark/. 
130 See https://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/InternationalLaw.aspx for a summary of state’s human rights obligations under 
international law.

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accessnow.org
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HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE AGE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Nov, 2018 
Access Now defends and extends the digital rights of users at risk around the world. By 
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grassroots grantmaking, and convenings such as RightsCon, we fight for human rights in 
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