Workshop 1: Digitalisation, Ethics and EU Fundamental Rights

In the context of digitalization, new and emerging technologies - such as IoT, blockchain and smart cities, AI, Big Data, etc. - pose challenges and threats in relation to the existing EU fundamental rights framework. On the one hand, these technologies put pressure on the fundamental rights framework. On the other hand, the application of these new technologies can also help empower citizens and aid in strengthening and reinvigorating fundamental rights in practice. Hence, the development of digital tools may not only have a negative impact on EU fundamental rights and ethical principles but can also lead to the creation of tools to protect those rights and principles.

Even though fundamental rights to privacy and data protection have been at the centre of attention of recent debates, EU fundamental rights and ethical challenges related to digitalization go way beyond these two fundamental rights. Notably, algorithmic decision-making in highly sensitive matters such as tax or credit scoring can result in discrimination. Freedom of expression may be endangered through opaque personalization algorithms used to organize newsfeeds online. Moreover, freedom of elections could be put into question if digitalization tools such as micro-targeting of voters are misused in the electoral campaign. Finally, in the EU policy documents, such as guidelines and various codes of conduct, the use of ethical principles rather than reliance on fundamental rights is often a preferred option. The workshop seeks to discuss the implications of such a policy approach.