Do Humans Have Rights In A Digital Age?

Artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous robots, social scoring, mass surveillance, and concentrations of power among corporate platforms and political states. Digital technologies have created huge challenges to our democratic rights, freedoms and values. Must we sacrifice these rights to “progress”?

Two major visions of the future currently dominate in the world: an anti-regulation Silicon Valley model which seemingly values profit over people, and China’s digital totalitarian model, which seeks to monitor and track individuals in an unprecedented way. Both models undermine human rights as we know them. Is a third way possible? What should that model look like?

With so little leadership coming from the Trump administration, the European Union (EU) has been at the forefront of efforts to regulate internet-based platform companies and their use of our private data. The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has become a model for other countries or states, such as California’s own Consumer Privacy Act.

Now, a group of renowned German net activists, civil society experts, lawyers and politicians have drafted a “Charter of Fundamental Digital Rights.” It is based on one leading principle: “Human dignity shall be inviolable” (here’s a link in English). Could this proposal shape our digital future for the better? How would you regulate our digital future?

Come join this dialogue between EU/German and US leaders, and be prepared to offer your own thoughts and ideas about digital rights, Big Tech and the challenges to ensure that society benefits from technology and innovation.