Nicosia, Cyprus. A Cyprus MP on Monday called for the adoption of a digital rights charter, saying it would help modernise legislation as artificial intelligence and algorithms increasingly affect daily life. The remarks were made during a discussion at the House human rights committee on digital rights.
Committee discussion on digital rights
Christos Christofides of Akel, who chairs the House human rights committee, said the proposed charter would serve as a guide for updating legislation. He said the issue is not one for the future but for the present, as AI and algorithms already influence how people receive information and also affect work, education and the functioning of democracy.
Focus on safeguarding rights
Christofides said the main question is not whether society will use AI, but whether people’s rights are protected in relation to these technologies.
European initiatives cited
He referred to initiatives at the European level, noting that the EU has adopted the European declaration on digital rights and principles. He also cited the EU AI Act and the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law.
Examples from other countries
According to Christofides, Spain, Estonia, Finland and France have already developed policies on digital rights, digital public services, digital education and the protection of minors on the internet.
Rights in the digital age
He said rights in the digital age include the public’s right to know when a decision concerning them has been made by an algorithm, the right to request an explanation when an AI application denies a job or loan application, the right to demand human review of automated decisions, and the right to be protected from algorithmic discrimination.
Previous committee work
Christofides also recalled that the House human rights committee has previously dealt with the criminalisation of online child sexual abuse material and the dissemination of so-called deepfakes.