[COST] GDHRNet: GLOBAL DIGITAL HUMAN RIGHTS NETWORK

The GDHRNet COST Action focuses on examining the intricate challenges posed by the online environment in the context of safeguarding human rights. It aims to investigate whether existing international human rights laws provide adequate guidance for governments and online companies to understand their respective responsibilities concerning human rights protection online. Moreover, the network intends to assess how national governments have established regulatory frameworks for online companies and how these companies have incorporated the obligation to protect human rights and combat online hate speech into their community standards. Transparency and accountability in the context of corporate social responsibility are also areas of exploration.

This initiative aims to establish a comprehensive system for safeguarding human rights in the online space, offering recommendations for assessing online content. The focus is on creating a framework that addresses the responsibilities of online companies, European and international policy bodies, governments, and the general public. The Action will work towards minimizing arbitrary content assessments, developing clear standards, and enhancing transparency in decision-making processes.

The scientific outcomes of this project will be achieved through several key actions: (a) a thorough assessment of how private internet companies compare to judicial institutions in providing human rights protections online, (b) the creation of a novel theoretical approach exploring the role of artificial intelligence in safeguarding online human rights, and (c) providing policy recommendations to promote a balanced approach to protecting fundamental rights, particularly in the private sector.

Through these efforts, the GDHRNet COST Action will significantly enhance our understanding of human rights protection in the digital age, offering practical solutions to improve the online environment’s adherence to human rights standards. The project also involves active participation from UniLodz students, including attending the 2023 Training School on Human Rights and Artificial Intelligence and engaging in Short Term Study Visits.