Advisor on Technology & Human Rights @UNHumanRights (OHCHR). Also @iverna.bsky.social
Brussels
Joined July 2009
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A key issue raised at our UN Human Rights roundtable on the EU Digital Omnibus: changes to the definition of personal data could mean data transferred abroad falls outside GDPR scope, weakening Chapter V transfer safeguards and increasing risks of #transnationalrepressiohttps
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Iverna McGowan retweeted
New EU rules on return need to respect international and EU human rights standards. Creating offshore return hubs with limited safeguards, expanded use of detention - including of children, and weakened protections that risk refoulement, all warrant careful reconsideration. Reforms must genuinely reflect the EU's commitment to fair, sustainable and human rights-based migration governance - @volker_turk
Iverna McGowan retweeted
From discrimination to privacy concerns: the impact of AI is real & growing.
How can we ensure AI is used in a way which respect our human rights? @UNHumanRights expert @iverna1 shares her insights on the risks & opportunities going forward!
Read more: unric.org/en/protecting-huma…
Iverna McGowan retweeted
How can governments keep online spaces open, safe, and grounded in #HumanRights?🌐
This week, @UNHumanRights joins the ASEAN–UNESCO Forum on the Governance of Digital Platforms in Bangkok — alongside @ASEAN, UNESCO, the Global Initiative on the Future of the Internet (GIFI), & other stakeholders — to share perspectives & drive a regional conversation on rights-based digital governance.
💡 Explore our new policy brief on how States can strengthen digital platform governance that upholds human rights👉ohchr.org/en/documents/tools…
Iverna McGowan retweeted
#Afghanistan: Nationwide internet shutdown by Taliban has extremely serious human rights ramifications across the country. It curtails free flow of information crucial to everyday activities, incl. access to essential services from health & education to banking. Women & girls already excluded from public life are especially affected.
We call for immediate reconnection.
Iverna McGowan retweeted
Calling all readers! 📢
Share the book that changed how you see human rights.
🌍 Environment? 🚢 Migration? ☮️ Peace? All topics welcome! Community votes decide our featured list revealed on Human Rights Day🏆
Add your pick !➡️forms.office.com/e/WLtKWk770…
#HumanRights
Iverna McGowan retweeted
Balancing the Digital Frontier💻
🔥Live now at #DemocracyAlive: @AshaOAllen,@RenateNikolay, @MarietjeSchaake & @iverna1 unpack the future of platform regulation.
With the DSA & DMA in place, can the EU strike the right balance between innovation and accountability? Join us!
Iverna McGowan retweeted
Thank you @brandobenifei, @iverna1, @udbhav_tiwari, Marthe Nagels & @alina_ra for an inspiring debate on democracy & digitalisation.
From fighting disinformation to championing inclusion & digital rights, your insights showed how tech can empower people and strengthen democracy.
Iverna McGowan retweeted
Call for Applications for the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture.
If you are a civil society organization providing support to survivors, you can apply for funding by 1 March 2025: ohchr.org/en/about-us/fundin…
Iverna McGowan retweeted
As Heads of State, company leaders & civil society meet in Paris to discuss the future of AI at the #AIActionSummit our message is clear:
AI regulation must be anchored in #HumanRights.
See our positions here: ohchr.org/sites/default/file…
Was delighted to accompany our High Commissioner for #humanrights today in discussions with Executive Vice President Virkkunen about ensuring human rights be the anchor to tech governance.
Welcome discussions with members of the European Commission in Brussels including @kajakallas @HennaVirkkunen @Teresaribera @dubravkasuica @hadjalahbib @magnusbrunner. Europe’s commitment to human rights, both internally and around the world, is more important than ever @EU_EESC
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Iverna McGowan retweeted
At #cfgFlagship, @iverna1 makes the case for a rights-based approach to tech governance:
1️⃣ AI can perpetuate bias, e.g. in education and housing
2️⃣ Transparency is crucial to ensure that rights can be guaranteed
3️⃣ Human rights must anchor global digital governance
Iverna McGowan retweeted
With the Cybercrime Convention on the table next week at the GA’s 3rd Committee, my Office is calling for human rights to be safeguarded. Tackling cybercrime must be embedded in human rights. States must address these risks & commit to clear, robust protections.
Iverna McGowan retweeted
Earlier this week @UNHumanRights joined a panel at @Forum_2000 which discussed international efforts to regulate #AI.
Our intervention focused on what a human rights-based approach should look like.
#OurRightsOurFuture
Iverna McGowan retweeted
UN Human Rights Chief @volker_turk is appalled by deadly Israeli strike near Rafik Hariri University Hospital in #Beirut.
The protection of civilians must be the absolute top priority.
Iverna McGowan retweeted
I am deeply worried about the escalating restrictions & attacks on civil society around the world.
#SocialMovements drive the positive changes our societies so urgently need.
Govts must listen to & support movements & respond to their concerns. Peaceful protest is a human right
Very concerning news from Bangladesh, appalling new reports of violence. Internet restrictions continue.
#Bangladesh: As rallies & internet restrictions continue, along with appalling new reports of violence by security forces & groups affiliated with the Govt, @volker_turk urges immediate steps by the Govt to prevent further violence & ensure accountability, right to peaceful assembly & right to information.
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Iverna McGowan retweeted
To graduating students @sciencespo & everywhere:
Hold onto your values & faith in human rights
You have the power to shape not just your life, but our collective future. Trust you can make a difference
If you stay true to yourself & stand up for others- you won't lose your way