Various forms of technology are often managed by businesses rather than States directly, and due to this, it is important to know the obligations that business and States have when ensuring human rights with respect to technology.
The State is the main guarantor of human rights. Its obligations are twofold: negative (obligations “not to do” something) and positive (obligations “to do” something). The same logic is followed in the context of technology.
However, business plays a big role when it comes to technology – imagine the different social media websites that you might use. They are usually owned and developed by private businesses. Considering the power that social media and other forms of technology have, it is natural to raise questions of responsibility that these businesses may have in protecting human rights.
example Civil society could raise questions about whether a recent national election was fair, if there were clear signs of foreign influence using fake social media accounts promoting specific candidates and where there were attempts to influence public opinion on various social issues.
About this section
This section of the Guide will explain the obligations that States have when protecting human rights in the context of technology and what the role of businesses is in the process.