Around the world, various tech systems are reinforcing gender inequalities and entrenching racial, socio-economic systems of power, according to Amnesty International. Marginalized groups, including women and LGBTI people, face threats to their human rights due to extensive and improper data collection practices that do not reflect their individual realities.
How are marginalized groups affected?
- Threats to human rights due to data collection practices
- Under-regulated accumulation of data leads to discrimination
Governments justify data collection as cost-saving solutions, while Big Tech companies deploy personal data for surveillance-based business models. This not only constitutes harmful mass surveillance but also entrenches discrimination against women and LGBTI people.
What are the impacts of technology integration?
- Integration of tech amid global gendered ‘digital divide’
- Access to technology restricted for marginalized groups
Imogen Richmond-Bishop of Amnesty International highlights the discriminatory context of existing digital gaps when implementing tech systems. For example, in Pakistan, the suspension of gender-neutral identity card categories left transgender individuals without essential documents.
What are the barriers faced in the digital space?
- Access restrictions on sexual and reproductive health information
- Removal of abortion-related content on social media
Research shows bias amplification through algorithms on platforms like TikTok. Spyware surveillance can constitute tech-facilitated gender-based violence. In Thailand, activists faced digital surveillance and online harassment, leading to self-censorship and withdrawal from activism.
How can discrimination be addressed?
- Call for gender-inclusive tech regulation
- Prevent deployment of systems perpetuating discrimination
Amnesty International stresses the need for gender-inclusive approaches in regulating technologies to avoid perpetuating discrimination and inequality against women and LGBTI people.
Background: In 2024, Amnesty International detailed issues with the Samagra Vedika system in India, while previous research in 2023 highlighted discrimination in Serbia’s welfare state due to automation.
Source: www.amnesty.org