This report explores how the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector affects human rights, particularly in terms of political participation. It sets out international standards and offers guidance on handling the positive and negative impacts of ICT operations. Key issues covered include the effects on data privacy, artificial intelligence, and the overall impact on political engagement.

The positive side of ICT in politics is acknowledged, with potential contributions to democracy through increased government transparency and citizen involvement. Technologies like crowdsourced data apps have enabled voters to monitor election fairness, and e-democracy initiatives encourage people to engage in government affairs. However, the report highlights instances where governments have misused ICT to infringe on human rights, such as censoring and surveilling citizens, exploiting user data for targeted political ads, and using social media for election interference and the spread of misinformation.

To address these challenges, the report suggests a multi-stakeholder approach for ICT companies. This involves recognising international human rights standards, aligning business activities with these standards, and continuously assessing and mitigating negative human rights impacts. Companies are also encouraged to leverage their influence in business relationships to uphold political participation and related rights. Investors are advised to scrutinise company policies, assess risks, support positive technological changes, and engage with companies to improve their operations.

The report showcases examples of investors actively participating in addressing these issues, such as filing resolutions to remove political ads containing disinformation and ending micro-targeting practices. Notable investors, including Sustainability Group of Loring Wolcott and Coolidge, Robeco, Hermes, and NEI Investments, express concerns about the lack of transparency in decision-making within the sector and emphasise the need for a multi-stakeholder approach involving investors, NGOs, governments, rights-holders, and civil society organisations.

In conclusion, the report emphasises that the continuous advancement of ICT will raise ongoing questions about individual rights. To strike a balance between technological development and human rights protection, a combination of regulatory guidance and self-regulation within the ICT sector is deemed necessary. The report serves as a reminder that businesses, particularly in the ICT sector, play a crucial role in ensuring that technological progress benefits human rights.