The GDHRNet COST Action focuses on examining the intricate challenges posed by the online environment in the context of safeguarding human rights. It aims to investigate whether existing international human rights laws provide adequate guidance for governments and online companies to understand their respective responsibilities concerning human rights protection online. Moreover, the network intends to assess how national governments have established regulatory frameworks for online companies and how these companies have incorporated the obligation to protect human rights and combat online hate speech into their community standards. Transparency and accountability in the context of corporate social responsibility are also areas of exploration.
This initiative seeks to propose a comprehensive system for protecting human rights in the online sphere. It will provide recommendations for assessing online content, targeting not only online companies but also European and international policy bodies, governments, and the general public. Additionally, the Action will develop a model aimed at reducing the risk of arbitrary content assessment, establishing clear standards for such assessments, and enhancing transparency in the outcomes.
The scientific advancements within this Action will be realized through multiple avenues: (a) a comprehensive assessment, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative aspects, to determine whether private internet companies offer comparable human rights protection online when compared to judicial institutions, (b) the development of a novel theoretical approach exploring the potential role of artificial intelligence in safeguarding human rights online, and (c) the provision of policy recommendations to foster a balanced approach to fundamental rights online, especially within the private sector.
By systematically addressing these vital issues, the GDHRNet COST Action aims to contribute significantly to our understanding of human rights protection in the digital age and provide actionable recommendations to improve the online landscape's adherence to human rights principles.
As part of this project, UniLodz students participated in various events, including: the 2023 TRAINING SCHOOL ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
and a series of Short Term Sudy Visits.