A/HRC/45/14/Add.1
to be representative of the heterogeneity of this segment of the population, including
in terms of age cohorts and their various conditions. 86
96.
The Independent Expert notes the impressive progress made in developing
smart ageing technology, notably technology operated through facial recognition and
voice control, which can enable older persons to live more autonomously and lessen
the need for professional care support. Smart control, such as facial recognition and
voice control, allows older persons to harness technology, operate systems that
monitor their health and care, and access public or privately organized services. It is
essential to ensure that older persons understand the risks associated with the use of
facial and voice recognition, in order to ensure the actual exercise of meaningful, free
and informed consent of older persons in the collection and use of this information.
This needs to be accompanied by realistic ways for older persons to opt out. It
requires the joint efforts of all stakeholders involved to safeguard an individual’s right
to determine whether to consent, and if so, to determine how personal and private
information is being shared, used, processed and stored, with a view to preventing
privacy and data protection rights from being undermined. It is therefore important
to provide older persons, in their heterogeneity, with targeted digital education,
training and inclusion measures.
97.
The Independent Expert notes the key role of public authorities in developing
technical solutions that promote the rights of older persons, by ensuring that human
rights considerations, including data protection standards, are built into the design of
technologies through technical specifications and contracts. It is further necessary to
ensure that the collection and use of facial and voice data of individuals is tightly
regulated and that remedy mechanisms are in place.
98.
The Independent Expert encourages joint efforts to establish a collaborative
mechanism on the issue of human rights of older persons and digital technology. She
also considers it important to provide for an adequate framework and forum
dedicated to addressing key questions on the challenges and good practices related to
how digital technology can serve older persons in terms of systems, services, content,
applications and other products, while safeguarding their dignity and the enjoyment
of all their human rights.
C.
Recommendations to businesses
99.
In light of the important role conferred to the smart ageing industry, and to
businesses more generally, in providing care services for older persons, the
Independent Expert takes the opportunity to refer to the Guiding Principles on
Business and Human Rights: Implementing the United Nations “Protect, Respect and
Remedy” Framework. She also wishes to draw the attention of the Government to its
obligation to ensure respect for, protection of and compliance with human rights in
the sphere of business activities by public or private enterprises. The Guiding
Principles provide an opportunity to close the governance gaps in business and human
rights if supported by appropriate legislation and regulations, together with
compliance mechanisms.
86
See OHCHR, Human Rights Indicators: A Guide to Measurement and Implementation
(HR/PUB/2012/5).
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