How human rights investigators are leveraging new digital tools and open-source technologies to fight injustices

Libby McAvoy, Marija Ristic, Phoebe Walton, Christoffer Horlitz

Zusammenfassung
Digital investigation techniques, including the use of open-source intelligence OSINT, are changing the field of human rights research. We will explore how these tools allow researchers to work across borders, to involve communities and to access new forms of data.
Speak Up / Rede mit
Podiumsdiskussion
Englisch
Conference

This panel brings together leading practitioners in open-source human rights research to explore the transformative potential of digital investigations. Open-source intelligence (OSINT) have vastly changed the documentation of human rights abuses by enabling the collection and analysis of new forms of data, even in closed societies where on-ground reporting is impossible. From investigating single crimes to exposing war atrocities, methods such as data scraping, geolocation or spatial analysis empower factfinders to uncover critical truths. The discussion will also delve into the ethical considerations surrounding open-source practices and the integration of artificial intelligence tools. 

Through current case studies, we will highlight how new and established organizations are advancing accountability, especially in contexts where traditional methods face limitations.

Christoffer Horlitz
Policy Advisor for Technology & Weapons Exports Control