Human rights principles Archives | Digital Watch Observatory

Population cap proposal rejected by Swiss voters

Swiss voters have rejected a proposal to prevent the country’s permanent resident population from exceeding 10 million people before 2050.

Provisional official results from the 14 June vote show that 54.79% of voters opposed the ‘No to a Switzerland with 10 million! (Sustainability Initiative) while 45.21% supported it. Turnout was 58.86%.

The initiative sought to introduce a population cap as Switzerland’s resident population reached around 9.1 million at the end of 2025. Supporters argued that population growth was increasing pressure on housing, infrastructure and public services.

If the permanent resident population had exceeded 9.5 million before 2050, the Federal Council and Parliament would have been required to take measures, particularly in areas such as asylum and family reunification. If the population had exceeded 10 million, Switzerland could have been required to terminate international agreements contributing to population growth, including the agreement with the EU on the free movement of persons.

Swiss federal authorities warned that ending the free movement agreement would also have affected other agreements under Bilateral Agreements I and could have called into question Switzerland’s participation in the Schengen and Dublin arrangements.

By rejecting the proposal, voters avoided a measure that could have placed major pressure on Switzerland’s labour market, its relations with the EU, and cross-border cooperation.

Why does it matter?

The vote matters beyond Swiss population policy because the initiative could have affected the country’s relationship with the EU. Switzerland relies on bilateral agreements for labour mobility, market access and cooperation on security and asylum. A population cap tied to termination of the free movement agreement would have created uncertainty for businesses, public services and sectors that depend on foreign workers, including healthcare.

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Latin American AI proposals draw on EU risk-based regulation

Latin American countries are increasingly looking to the EU’s risk-based approach as they develop AI governance frameworks, according to an International Bar Association analysis.

The IBA noted that Chile, Peru, Brazil and El Salvador have introduced or advanced AI-related legislation in recent years, with several initiatives focusing on risk classification, fundamental rights and accountability. Peru implemented an AI law in 2023 and updated it in 2025, while Brazil has considered similar draft legislation, and El Salvador enacted an AI law in 2025.

Chile has become one of the region’s most active AI policy actors. It helped launch Latam-GPT, an open-source language model trained on Latin American data, and is considering an AI bill that would classify systems according to risk. The proposal includes stricter obligations for high-risk uses, as well as regulatory sandboxes and measures intended to support innovation and smaller businesses.

Legal experts cited by the IBA said the EU model fits parts of Latin America’s existing regulatory culture, particularly in data protection and cybersecurity. However, they also warned that EU-style requirements on risk governance, technical documentation, testing and incident reporting could strain regulators and smaller companies with limited resources.

The analysis also points to regional challenges, including legal differences between countries, gaps in data governance and different economic priorities. While Europe’s AI focus often centres on highly regulated sectors, experts said Latin America may see greater value from AI applications in financial inclusion, payments, healthcare, agriculture, commerce and logistics.

Why does it matter?

Latin America’s approach to AI regulation could shape governance conditions for a region of more than 650 million people. If countries align closely with the EU model, transparency, accountability and fundamental rights may become central pillars of regional AI governance. However, the IBA analysis also shows the risk of importing complex compliance models without sufficient regulatory capacity, which could burden smaller firms and slow adoption in markets where AI could support financial inclusion, healthcare, agriculture and public services.

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Civil society groups warn EU Digital Networks Act could weaken net neutrality

A coalition of civil society organisations has raised concerns about the European Commission’s proposed Digital Networks Act, warning that it could weaken existing net neutrality protections. The signatories argue that the legislation could weaken net neutrality protections and alter the existing framework governing the open internet.

According to the coalition, the proposal would incorporate the Open Internet Regulation into the broader Digital Networks Act while removing many of its explanatory provisions. The groups argue that this could reduce legal certainty and make net neutrality protections more vulnerable to reinterpretation.

The signatories also oppose proposed provisions on IP interconnection, arguing that there is insufficient evidence of market failure to justify regulatory intervention. They warn that proposed cooperation and conciliation mechanisms could formalise commercial negotiations between network operators and content providers, potentially paving the way for network fees.

The coalition is urging EU lawmakers to remove Articles 191 to 193 from the proposal and keep the Open Internet Regulation as a separate legal instrument. The coalition argues that doing so would help preserve consumer protections, competition and the principle of an open internet across the EU.

Why does it matter?

Net neutrality has been a cornerstone of EU internet policy, requiring internet service providers to treat online traffic equally rather than favouring or disadvantaging particular services, platforms or content. Supporters argue that these rules help protect competition, innovation and consumer choice online.

The debate over the Digital Networks Act highlights broader tensions between telecom operators, digital platforms and civil society groups over the future governance of internet infrastructure. Proposed changes to interconnection rules and the legal framework for net neutrality could have implications for how internet services are delivered, regulated and financed across Europe.

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South Korea selects site for AI defence robotics hub

South Chungcheong Province and the city of Nonsan have been selected to host a new AI defence robotics innovation cluster in South Korea.

The project was chosen under the Defense Acquisition Program Administration’s 2026 defence innovation cluster programme and will run for five years, from 2026 to 2030. It will receive a total of 49.9 billion won in national and local funding, including 24.5 billion won from the central government.

The cluster will be developed around Naedong and Yeonmu-eup in Nonsan and will focus on building an AI defence robotics ecosystem. The project is intended to support the full development cycle, from technology research and testing to demonstration and commercialisation.

Plans include a 45,190-square-metre testing and certification facility in Yeonmu-eup, designed to support research and development, test evaluation and demonstration activities in one location.

The initiative will involve Chungnam Techno Park, Konyang University, the Korea Testing Laboratory, the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, the Korea Automotive Technology Institute and KAIST’s Mobility AX Research Institute.

Provincial officials said Nonsan’s existing defence infrastructure, including the Nonsan Defence National Industrial Complex, the headquarters of South Korea’s three armed services and Korea National Defense University, helped support the site’s selection.

Why does it matter?

The project shows how South Korea is linking AI, robotics and defence industrial policy through testing and certification infrastructure. For digital policy, the relevant signal is the institutionalisation of AI-enabled military robotics development, including facilities for experimentation, evaluation and commercialisation. It also reflects the growing importance of regional defence-tech clusters as governments seek to build domestic capacity in autonomous and unmanned systems.

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Uruguay launches Latin America’s first national AI ethics business council

Uruguay has become the first country in Latin America to establish a national Business Council for the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, a UNESCO-backed initiative aimed at strengthening responsible AI governance.

Launched in Montevideo, the council will serve as a platform connecting businesses, academic institutions and public authorities to promote ethical, transparent and accountable AI development.

The initiative is aligned with UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, adopted in 2021 as the first global normative framework dedicated to the ethical governance of AI. The council aims to ensure that AI deployment promotes human well-being, fundamental rights, transparency and non-discrimination while supporting innovation.

The Uruguayan Chamber of Information Technologies will lead the national chapter, supported by representatives from the technology and telecommunications sectors.

During 2026, the council plans to focus on integrating ethical AI practices into business operations, strengthening technical capabilities and promoting Uruguay as a regional reference point for AI governance.

UNESCO officials noted that ethical AI principles can strengthen innovation by fostering trust, accountability and long-term sustainability. Such an initiative by Uruguay is expected to contribute to broader regional discussions on AI governance and responsible digital transformation.

Why does it matter?

As AI adoption accelerates, governments and businesses are increasingly seeking governance mechanisms that balance innovation with accountability, transparency and respect for fundamental rights. While many AI governance initiatives have focused on regulation, Uruguay’s approach places particular emphasis on engaging the private sector in the implementation of ethical AI principles.

The initiative also reflects a broader international trend towards multi-stakeholder AI governance, bringing together government, industry and academia to address challenges such as bias, transparency and responsible deployment. As the first initiative of its kind in Latin America, the council could influence regional discussions on AI governance and digital transformation.

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ILO highlights child protection risks amid digital transformation

The International Labour Organization (ILO), together with UNICEF and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), used a high-level roundtable in Türkiye to highlight the growing connection between digital transformation and child protection.

While the event focused primarily on eliminating child labour, discussions also examined the opportunities and risks associated with rapid technological change.

ILO Türkiye Director Yasser Hassan noted that digital transformation can support economic development, productivity growth and poverty reduction. However, he warned that rapidly evolving technologies may also expose children to new forms of exploitation, including technology-enabled commercial sexual exploitation and other online harms.

Participants stressed that child protection considerations should be incorporated into the design, deployment and governance of digital technologies from the outset. The discussion reflected growing international concern that digitalisation can create new vulnerabilities alongside economic opportunities, particularly for children and young people.

The ILO roundtable also highlighted Türkiye’s broader policy agenda, including digital transformation initiatives within the National Employment Strategy 2025–2028. Stakeholders emphasised the importance of ensuring that digital innovation is accompanied by education, social protection, labour rights protections and child safeguarding measures.

Why does it matter?

The discussion reflects an increasingly important policy debate: how digital transformation can be harnessed while protecting vulnerable groups from emerging risks.

As governments, businesses and international organisations accelerate the adoption of AI, digital platforms and connected technologies, concerns about online child exploitation, digital rights and technology governance are becoming more prominent.

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Pope Leo XIV warns AI must not replace human judgement and dignity

Pope Leo XIV has reiterated his concerns about AI, warning that technological advances should not diminish the role of human judgement, human dignity and personal relationships. Speaking before the Spanish Congress, the pope said AI offers significant opportunities but cannot replace human beings or the values that sustain society.

Referring to his recent encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, Leo XIV argued that technology reflects the choices of those who design, finance and regulate it. He stressed that policymakers and businesses must ensure that AI development continues to prioritise human dignity, labour rights, solidarity and the common good.

The pope also cautioned against excessive reliance on AI-generated responses, warning that it could weaken creativity, critical thinking and independent judgement. He further warned that AI systems designed to simulate empathy or friendship could create misleading perceptions of human connection, particularly among vulnerable users.

His remarks come amid growing global debate over AI governance and safety. Among those welcoming the pope’s intervention was Chris Olah, who praised the importance of independent voices pushing for responsible AI development and stronger safeguards as the technology becomes increasingly influential.

Why does it matter?

The pope’s intervention reflects a broader global debate over the social and ethical consequences of AI. As governments, technology firms, and international organisations consider how to govern increasingly capable AI systems, concerns are expanding beyond technical risks to include human autonomy, social cohesion, and the future of interpersonal relationships.

The remarks highlight growing calls for AI policies that balance innovation with safeguards designed to preserve human agency and trust.

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India’s human rights commission examines impact of digital arrest scams

The National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) held an open house discussion on safeguarding human rights against digital arrest scams, highlighting their growing impact on individual rights, dignity and personal security.

The NHRC Chairperson said cybersecurity-enabled fraud has caused significant financial losses and noted that digital arrest scams often exploit fear of law enforcement authorities to coerce victims into transferring money. Participants also highlighted the challenges victims face in recovering stolen funds and obtaining effective redress.

Speakers stressed the need for stronger protections for vulnerable groups, particularly older adults, alongside improved data protection, public awareness campaigns and faster support mechanisms for victims. Participants also reviewed existing government measures, AI-powered detection tools and industry initiatives aimed at preventing and detecting fraud.

Key recommendations included recognising digital arrest scams as a distinct criminal offence, strengthening measures against mule accounts and the fraudulent misuse of official identities, improving compensation and recovery mechanisms, and enhancing cooperation among government agencies, industry and other stakeholders in India.

Why does it matter?

Digital arrest scams have emerged as a growing form of cyber-enabled fraud, combining social engineering techniques with the impersonation of law enforcement and government authorities. By exploiting fear and urgency, such scams can cause significant financial losses and psychological harm, particularly among vulnerable groups.

The discussion highlights the increasing intersection between cybersecurity, consumer protection and human rights. As digital fraud becomes more sophisticated, policymakers are placing greater emphasis on prevention, victim support, data protection and coordinated responses involving government agencies, technology providers and financial institutions.

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Google highlights rising online scam threats

Google has warned that online scams remain a major global challenge, citing estimates that fraud losses could reach nearly $580 billion in 2025.

In its latest fraud and scams advisory, the company said phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated, with criminals using adversary-in-the-middle techniques and QR code phishing, also known as quishing, to steal credentials and bypass security measures.

The advisory also highlighted risks linked to cryptocurrency investment scams, malicious finance applications and police impersonation schemes. According to Google, scammers are using AI, social engineering and trusted digital services to deceive users, obtain money and collect sensitive information.

Google said its Trust & Safety teams are using AI tools, predictive analytics and policy enforcement to detect and disrupt fraudulent activity across its services. The company also pointed to measures such as stronger protections for session cookies, enforcement against deceptive crypto ads, monitoring of post-installation app behaviour and developer identity verification for apps installed on certified Android devices.

The company urged users to be cautious of unsolicited communications, unrealistic investment promises, unexpected QR codes and requests for personal or financial information.

Why does it matter?

The advisory shows how online fraud is becoming a cross-platform governance problem rather than a narrow cybersecurity issue. Scams now rely on trusted cloud services, mobile apps, messaging platforms, crypto infrastructure and impersonation of public authorities. That creates pressure on major technology companies to strengthen detection, app accountability and policy enforcement, while raising broader questions about consumer protection, platform responsibility and digital trust.

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EY Malta expands AI in audit services

EY Malta has introduced enterprise-scale agentic AI across its Assurance services, integrating the technology into EY Canvas, the firm’s global audit platform.

The rollout forms part of EY’s wider global strategy to embed AI into audit workflows and support audit quality, risk assessment, and client insights.

EY said the AI-enabled framework helps auditors analyse large volumes of data, assess risks, and access updated auditing and accounting guidance in real time. The firm said the technology is designed to support, not replace, auditors, with professional judgement and human oversight remaining central to the audit process.

The system is integrated with Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Foundry, and Microsoft Fabric, reflecting EY’s broader global partnership with Microsoft on the secure and scalable deployment of AI.

EY said the rollout follows global testing and is part of its long-term investment in audit quality, technology, and workforce development. The firm added that further AI enhancements are planned over the coming years as audit teams use the tools across more stages of the audit process.

EY Malta also highlighted related assurance and advisory services linked to AI readiness, governance, and risk management. The firm said the technology would allow teams in Malta to focus more on risk and audit quality while reducing administrative work.

Why does it matter?

The rollout shows how agentic AI is moving into regulated professional services, including audit, where accuracy, accountability, and human judgement remain central. AI could help auditors analyse larger datasets and focus on higher-risk areas. Still, it also raises questions about oversight, explainability, skills, liability, and how regulators assess AI-supported audit work.

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