A/HRC/36/48 out more caregiving functions, the benefit to older persons will depend on responsible design and use. 90. Existing and emerging technology, such as care robots, will increasingly operate autonomously, eventually performing actual care. This raises a number of concerns that, unless adequately addressed, may adversely have an impact on the human rights of older persons. This may require a review of the existing normative and policy frameworks to ensure that a human rights-based approach is being adopted to assistive technology. 91. Assistive technology and robots will collect, process and store unprecedented amounts of data. The use of information will increase in volume and complexity as robots carry out more and more autonomous functions. Understanding the risks of autonomous robots for the right to informational self-determination and privacy requires an appreciation of the ways in which data are, and will be, utilized by such technology. The existing normative framework, such as article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, including the principle on data minimization, continues to provide essential guidance even though robots and artificial intelligence, by definition, require vast amounts of data to function properly. The implications of the use of assistive and robotics technology on the informational self-determination of older persons must be better understood and assessed. 92. The Independent Expert emphasizes that assistive technology as an essential measure to enable older persons to live independently and to participate fully in all aspects of life, on an equal basis with everyone, everywhere, needs to be affordable and accessible. Support for older persons should cover the diverse needs of older persons, including end-of-life and palliative care situations. However, the promotion of advanced technology, such as robotics, should complement and not detract from efforts to ensure that basic low-technology assistive products are available to everyone. 93. To ensure universal access, States should integrate assistive technology in health and social protection schemes, making it available at affordable prices and offering financial assistance to those who need it. Conditions of access must not be based on age alone. While promoting effective assistive technology, States must also retain other support options, including traditional care, and not create disproportionate disadvantages for individuals who may prefer, or whose needs are better catered for through, other forms of support. States should also establish monitoring and accountability mechanisms regarding the provision of assistive technology in order to evaluate the adequacy of support arrangements and prevent human rights abuses. 94. A human rights-based approach needs to be embedded in the design of assistive technology. A rights-based design ensures that the technology will not stigmatize older persons and will take account of their diverse needs and preferences, paying due attention to vulnerable groups, including those with high support needs, the cognitively and otherwise impaired, digital immigrants and others. 95. Human rights impact assessments of assistive and robotics technology should be undertaken to address human rights concerns and ensure compliance with international standards. Auditing machine decisions and algorithms, and their compliance with human rights standards, is essential in avoiding discriminatory treatment, including through biased algorithms. There is a need to develop concrete guidelines for such human rights impact assessments in consultation with developers and manufactures, but also service providers, procurers and civil society to ensure that a human rights-based approach can be embedded in the design, procurement, supply and implementation of assistive technology. 96. The informed consent of the user is paramount in the introduction of assistive technology and robotics. Older persons must be able to weigh the risks and the concrete benefits of the technology. Information must be given in an understandable way and language, bearing in mind individual personal circumstances and cognitive abilities. The paradigm of choice and control includes the right to opt out of the 17