--- title: "XIV.G. Right to Digital Self-Determination" description: "Our global network of contributors to the [*AI & Human Rights Index*](https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/index/) is currently writing these articles and glossary entries. This particular page is currently in the recruitment and research stage. Please return later to see where this page is in the [editorial…" url: "https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/Docs/xiv-g-digital-self-determination/" updated: "2025-04-17" category: "• Introduction / XIV. Digital Rights & Technology" --- # XIV.G. Right to Digital Self-Determination Our global network of contributors to the [*AI & Human Rights Index*](https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/index/) is currently writing these articles and glossary entries. This particular page is currently in the recruitment and research stage. Please return later to see where this page is in the [editorial workflow](https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/index/editors-desk/). Thank you! We look forward to learning with and from you. --- [Insert statement of urgency and significance for why this right relates to AI.] # **Sectors** The contributors of the *AI & Human Rights Index* have identified the following sectors as responsible for both using AI to protect and advance this human right. - [ART: Arts and Culture](https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/glossary/art/) - [COM: Media and Communication](https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/glossary/com/) - [TECH: Technology and IT](https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/glossary/tech/) # AI’s Potential Violations [Insert 300- to 500-word analysis of how AI could violate this human right.] # AI’s Potential Benefits [Insert 300- to 500-word analysis of how AI could advance this human right.] # Human Rights Instruments ## United Nations Charter (1945) 1 U.N.T.S. XVI, [U.N. Charter](https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/index/charter/) (June 26, 1945) Preamble > WE THE PEOPLES OF THE UNITED NATIONS DETERMINED > to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind, and > > > > to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the [Dignity](https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/glossary/dignity/) and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and > > > > to establish conditions under which [Justice](https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/glossary/justice/) and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained, and > > > > to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger [Freedom](https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/glossary/freedom/), > > > > AND FOR THESE ENDS > > > > to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours, and > > > > to unite our strength to maintain international peace and [Security](https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/glossary/security/), and > > > > to ensure, by the acceptance of principles and the institution of methods, that armed force shall not be used, save in the common interest, and > > > > to employ international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples, > > > > HAVE RESOLVED TO COMBINE OUR EFFORTS TO ACCOMPLISH THESE AIMS. > > > > Accordingly, our respective Governments, through representatives assembled in the city of San Francisco, who have exhibited their full powers found to be in good and due form, have agreed to the present Charter of the United Nations and do hereby establish an international organization to be known as the United Nations. Chapter 1(1;2) > To develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and [Self-determination](https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/glossary/self-determination/) of peoples, and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace; ## International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966) G.A. Res. 2200A (XXI),[International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights](https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ARES2200-A-XXI-ICCPR.pdf), U.N. Doc. A/6316 (1966), 999 U.N.T.S. 171 (Dec. 16, 1966) Article 1 > 1. All peoples have the right of [Self-determination](https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/glossary/self-determination/). By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development. > > > > 2. All peoples may, for their own ends, freely dispose of their natural wealth and resources without prejudice to any obligations arising out of international economic co-operation, based upon the principle of mutual benefit, and international law. In no case may a people be deprived of its own means of subsistence. > > > > 3. The States Parties to the present Covenant, including those having responsibility for the administration of Non-Self-Governing and [Trust](https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/glossary/trust/) Territories, shall promote the realization of the right of [Self-determination](https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/glossary/self-determination/), and shall respect that right, in conformity with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations. ## United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007) G.A. Res. 61/295, [United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,](https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ARES61295-1.pdf) U.N. Doc. A/RES/61/295 (Sept. 13, 2007) Article 3 > Indigenous peoples have the right to [Self-determination](https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/glossary/self-determination/). By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development. [1.0 Research](https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/index/editors-desk/) [2.0 Curate](https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/index/editors-desk/) [3.0 Review](https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/index/editors-desk/) [4.0 Revise](https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/index/editors-desk/) [5.0 Published](https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/index/editors-desk/) **Last Updated:**  April 17, 2025 **Research Assistant:**  Aarianna Aughtry **Contributor:**  To Be Determined **Reviewer:**  To Be Determined **Editor:**  Alexander Kriebitz **Subject:**  Human Right **Edition:**  Edition 1.0 Research **Recommended Citation:**  "XIV.G. Right to Digital Self-Determination, Edition 1.0 Research." In *[AI & Human Rights Index](https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/index)*, edited by Nathan C. Walker, Dirk Brand, Caitlin Corrigan, Georgina Curto Rex, Alexander Kriebitz, John Maldonado, Kanshukan Rajaratnam, Tanya de Villiers-Botha, and Hisham Zawil. New York: All Tech is Human; Camden, NJ: AI Ethics Lab at Rutgers University, 2026. Accessed October 22, 2026. [https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/Docs/xiv-g-digital-self-determination/](https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/Docs/xiv-g-digital-self-determination/).