Discrimination may occur during the use of technology. Limited access to technology may also be discriminatory if it disproportionately affects a specific group of people.
Because technology has become a part of our everyday lives, it can, in some cases, amplify already existing stereotypes and cause unequal treatment.
example Hate speech is often spread quickly using technology and reaches a much wider audience than does hate speech offline.
Unequal access to technology can disproportionately affect marginalized groups, creating a digital divide. This can limit educational and economic opportunities, hindering social mobility and perpetuating existing inequalities.
Prohibition of discrimination
Prohibition of discrimination is ensured by the State. The State has two forms of obligations: negative and positive.
Negative obligations mean that States must not use technology to discriminate.
example Video monitoring with facial recognition aimed at following and tracking people of colour would be a violation of the negative obligations of a State.
Positive obligations require that States correct factual inequalities that exist in society, including fair access to technology.
example States may invest in developing digital learning programmes for various social groups such as children, elders and rural communities.
example State institutions must make their websites accessible to people with impairments. This ensures that everyone can find and access required information.
About this section
This section describes how technology can cause discrimination, explains what the digital divide is and what the obligations of States are in ensuring equal opportunities in the area of technology.
Read more about discrimination, hate speech and hate crimes in this Guide.