New Technologies in International Law / Tymofeyeva, Crhák et al.

Technology has played a crucial role in monitoring and addressing environmental challenges, such as climate change and biodiversity loss. Innovative solutions, such as remote sensing and satellite imaging, have enabled better tracking of environmental indicators and the enforcement of environmental regulations . Nonetheless, the rapid pace of technological development can also contribute to environmental degradation. The use of genetic engineering raises ethical and legal concerns about their potential impact on the environment and human health. Technological development of security tools has enabled the detection and prevention of cyber-crimes, 5 such as hacking, fraud, and identity theft, etc. International cooperation and information sharing have also improved efforts to combat cyber threats across borders. However, the increasing interconnectedness of digital networks has created new vulnerabilities and risks for cyber-attacks, leading to challenges in enforcing international laws and regulations on cyber-crimes. The lack of appropriate legal framework further complicates efforts to address cyber threats at the international level . New technologies have a significant impact on the areas of international human rights law . Technology has empowered individuals and civil society groups to document human rights abuses, amplify their voices, and hold governments and other actors accountable for violations. Social media platforms and digital communication tools have played a key role in facilitating advocacy and activism for human rights causes. However, the use of new technologies, such as surveillance systems and facial recognition technology, can infringe on individuals’ right to private life. 6 The lack of regulatory safeguards and oversight mechanisms for the use of technology in the context of human rights can exacerbate risks of abuse and discrimination. In conclusion, the proliferation of new technologies in international law brings both opportunities and challenges that necessitate a balanced approach towards harnessing their transformative potential while mitigating associated risks. With the growth of use of new technologies, it is imperative to prioritise ethical considerations, safeguard privacy and security, and foster inclusive and equitable access to legal resources, ensuring that the benefits of technological innovation are maximised while minimises adverse impacts on the rule of law and international justice. The recent adoption of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act 7 demonstrates the urgent need to regulate the use of new technologies for the sake of protecting fundamental rights, democracy and the rule of law.

5 Baggili I (ed), Digital Forensics and Cyber Crime: Second International ICST Conference, ICDF2C 2010 , Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, October 4–6, 2010, Revised Selected Papers (Springer Berlin Heidelberg 2011), p. 27. 6 Berle I, Face Recognition Technology: Compulsory Visibility and Its Impact on Privacy and the Confidentiality of Personal Identifiable Images (Springer, 2020), p. 39 and p. 89. 7 Artificial Intelligence Act, EU, P9_TA (2024)0138, 13 March 2024.

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