The Commissioner for Administration and the Protection of Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Cyprus co-organised, with the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen (AOM) and the Venice Commission a regional conference entitled “Protecting human rights in the digital area and in social media”. The conference took place on September 26 in Paphos, Cyprus. Participants discussed the development of new technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) and the challenges for the Ombudsmen and Mediators from both shores of the Mediterranean in the field of human rights protection.

The conference aimed to provide concrete solutions to tackle and combat human rights violations linked to the use of new technologies. Participants from 28 AOM member states also discussed the legal, democratic, and ethical aspects of AI governance in human rights.

Representatives of the Venice Commission delivered an opening speech and presented the relevant work of the Venice Commission in the electoral field, inter alia the Commission’s Set of Principles for a fundamental rights-compliant use of digital technologies in electoral processes.

The Commission supports the Ombudsman institutions through the “Venice principles” which highlight their important role in strengthening democracy, the rule of law, good administration and the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

  Principles for a fundamental rights-compliant use of digital technologies in electoral processes

This activity was organised with the support of the South Progrmme V, a joint initiative between the European Union and the Council of Europe, co-financed by the two organisation and implemented by the Council of Europe.