UN Warns of Rising Tech

GENEVA - The UN Working Group on the use of mercenaries today warned that rapid advances including in artificial intelligence, surveillance technologies and use of drones are transforming the nature of mercenary activities and private military and security operations worldwide, creating significant risks for human rights, and security.

In a new report presented to the Human Rights Council, the Working Group highlighted how mercenaries, mercenary-related actors, and private military and security companies are increasingly relying on sophisticated technologies to recruit personnel, conduct surveillance, gather intelligence, carry out cyber operations, influence public opinion and participate in armed conflict.

"The privatisation of military and security functions is increasingly occurring through digital and technological means and service-providers are operating for profit in ways that challenge existing oversight and accountability mechanisms."

The experts expressed concern that advanced technologies are increasingly being used against journalists, human rights defenders, students, activists, political opposition figures, Indigenous Peoples, ethnic and religious minorities, and communities living in conflict-affected areas. "The use of digital tools and social media platforms to facilitate recruitment into armed activities, including of youth and children, and to spread disinformation, and amplify harmful narratives are serious human rights concerns," they said. "Though technology has developed rapidly, legal and regulatory frameworks have not kept pace."

Accountability for the use of technology to commit human rights violations is hindered by complex supply chains, opaque corporate structures, cross-border operations, encrypted communications, and the growing use of artificial intelligence systems which may be difficult to understand or investigate, the report warned.

"The development and deployment of technology must strengthen human security, not undermine it," the Working Group said.

The experts urged States to strengthen regulation and oversight of private military and security actors, integrate human rights standards into technology procurement and export controls, and ensure effective remedies for victims of abuses linked to technology-enabled mercenary activities. They also urged technology companies, cybersecurity firms, and private security providers to conduct robust human rights due diligence and ensure their products and services are not used to facilitate unlawful surveillance, disinformation campaigns, or autonomous targeting without meaningful human control.

"Human rights, accountability, and effective oversight must remain at the centre of efforts to govern emerging technologies and safeguard against violations and abuse."

The report was presented to the Human Rights Council at its 63rd session.