Library | ESG issues
Technology & Online Harm
Technology & online harm refers to the risks and challenges linked to existing and emerging digital technologies such as AI, blockchain, and cryptocurrencies. While these innovations can enhance efficiency and productivity, they also introduce risks like fraud, misinformation, regulatory uncertainty, and ethical dilemmas, requiring careful oversight and responsible adoption.
Refine
86 results
REFINE
SHOW: 16
Engaging the ICT sector on human rights: Artificial intelligence-based technologies
This report examines the human rights risks associated with artificial intelligence in the ICT sector. It offers guidance for rights-respecting AI development, outlines regulatory frameworks, presents the business rationale for ethical AI, and supports investor engagement with practical tools and questions for assessing AI-related corporate practices
Starting up: Responsible investment in venture capital
This report examines how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are being adopted in venture capital. It outlines current practices, challenges, and industry-specific considerations, and highlights the need for tailored guidance, collaboration, and early-stage engagement to advance responsible investment across the venture capital ecosystem.
Artificial intelligence in financial services
AI is reshaping financial services by enhancing efficiency, reducing costs and unlocking new revenue opportunities. With $97 billion in projected investment by 2027, firms must address risks like misinformation and data bias while prioritising governance, regulation and workforce reskilling to ensure responsible, secure and effective AI adoption.
Regulating AI in the financial sector: Recent developments and main challenges
The report outlines AI’s growing use in finance—especially in underwriting, fraud detection, and customer support—highlighting regulatory challenges around explainability, governance, and data security. It discusses evolving global guidance and the need for risk-based, proportionate oversight, particularly as generative AI gains traction in high-impact applications.
Navigating portfolio exposure to conflict-affected and high-risk areas: Practical guidance for investor engagement with companies
This report offers practical guidance for investors engaging companies on managing conflict-affected and high-risk area (CAHRA) exposure. It highlights legal obligations, best practices in heightened human rights due diligence, and governance strategies, drawn from pilot dialogues with tech and renewable energy firms. Recommendations target risk mitigation aligned with global standards.
AI, data governance and privacy: Synergies and areas of international co-operation
This report examines the synergies between artificial intelligence, data governance, and privacy, highlighting international collaboration opportunities. It identifies key regulatory frameworks, interoperability standards, and policy recommendations to address shared global challenges and promote responsible AI deployment while safeguarding data privacy across jurisdictions.
The race against time for smarter development: To be smart, the digital revolution will need to be inclusive
The report underscores the need for inclusivity in the digital revolution, highlighting gender disparities in STEM fields. Women are underrepresented in digital and engineering roles, limiting their access to future job opportunities. Policy interventions, improved workplace conditions, and equitable funding are essential to fostering diversity in technological innovation and ensuring sustainable, inclusive development.
Pensions in the age of artificial intelligence
The report explores how artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can address challenges in global pension systems. It highlights AI's potential to enhance governance, personalisation, fraud prevention, and investment strategies while emphasising ethical implementation and data privacy considerations to optimise retirement outcomes and ensure system sustainability.
Environmental impact of digital assets
The report highlights the environmental impact of digital assets, focusing on energy-intensive proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanisms in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. It underscores significant carbon emissions and advocates transitioning to less energy-demanding models, renewable energy use, and cross-border cooperation. Policy recommendations include targeted regulation, enhanced data transparency, and leveraging distributed ledger technologies for sustainable finance.
Digital business world and ethical dilemmas: A systematic literature review
This report systematically reviews ethical challenges in the digital business world, focusing on the intersection of digitalisation, corporate responsibility, and technology adoption. It highlights ethical dilemmas, such as AI transparency and sustainability, emphasising the need for tailored ethical guidelines to foster trust, innovation, and social responsibility in digital transformations.
Harnessing digital finance for sustainability: An integrative review and research agenda
The report reviews the role of digital finance in advancing sustainability goals through bibliometric and thematic analysis of 168 studies. It identifies key themes like financial inclusion, green finance, and fintech, proposing a conceptual framework to align digital innovation with sustainable development, fostering eco-friendly investments, and promoting global financial inclusion.
Green fintech: Sustainability of Bitcoin
The report examines Bitcoin's environmental sustainability within the Green FinTech framework. It highlights Bitcoin's significant energy consumption during mining, correlating positively with miner revenue. While offering financial inclusivity, Bitcoin's carbon emissions challenge its environmental credentials. The study advocates for renewable energy adoption in cryptocurrency mining to align with sustainability goals.
The hidden environmental cost of cryptocurrency: How Bitcoin mining impacts climate, water and land
Bitcoin mining has significant environmental impacts, driven by its reliance on electricity-intensive processes. In 2020-2021, mining consumed 173 TWh of electricity, primarily from fossil fuels, and emitted 86 Mt CO2, contributing to climate change, water scarcity, and land use issues. Global regulatory action is urgently needed.
U.S. climate policy and blockchain innovation in future smart and sustainable cities
This report explores blockchain's potential to address climate challenges and foster smart, sustainable cities. It highlights blockchain's capacity for decentralisation, transparency, and efficiency in urban governance, renewable energy, and civic participation. Recommendations include multi-stakeholder collaboration, educational initiatives, and human-centred design to ensure ethical, inclusive implementation for climate resilience and innovation.
Infrastructure tokenization: Does blockchain have a role in the financing of infrastructure?
The report explores the potential of blockchain technology in financing infrastructure projects. It evaluates blockchain's capabilities in enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in infrastructure tokenisation, while addressing challenges like regulatory constraints, market adoption, and technical barriers. The findings highlight both opportunities and limitations for integrating blockchain into infrastructure financing.
Impact tokens: A blockchain-based solution for impact investing
The report explores the concept of impact tokens, blockchain-based tools designed to unlock investments for sustainable projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These tokens enhance transparency, foster financial inclusion, improve data collection, and incentivise sustainable behaviours. Case studies illustrate applications across energy, agriculture, and waste management sectors, demonstrating potential in addressing global challenges. .