Source: Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission
Aotearoa New Zealand can be a society where digital technologies support dignity, equality, and participation for all.
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life, the Human Rights Commission is calling for a human rights and Te Tiriti o Waitangi-based approach to ensure these technologies serve people fairly, transparently and responsibly.
Today the Commission releases its report, AI and Digital Technologies: A Human Rights and Te Tiriti o Waitangi Approach, which outlines how Aotearoa New Zealand can harness the benefits of emerging technologies while protecting people’s rights and freedoms.
Chief Human Rights Commissioner Dr Stephen Rainbow says decisions being made today will shape New Zealand’s digital future for generations.
“The question is not whether we use AI, but how we use it. We have an opportunity now to build systems that respect human rights and ensure the widest possible access to the benefits of AI. Getting this right will help unlock the benefits of technology and build the public trust and confidence essential to the adoption of AI.”
The report provides a foundation for policy development, practical action and public dialogue on how AI can be adopted, used and governed in ways that respect human rights, honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ensure the widest possible benefits to society. It also highlights that New Zealand does not need to start from scratch when responding to AI. Existing human rights protections, domestic legislation, international standards, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi already provide strong foundations for governance and accountability of AI.
The report emphasises the importance of Indigenous rights and Māori participation in decisions about digital technologies, data and AI governance.
Rongomau Taketake Indigenous Rights Governance Partner Dayle Takitimu says Te Tiriti o Waitangi provides essential guidance for New Zealand’s approach.
“Māori, like all peoples, have the right to determine how data relating to their communities, interests and identities is collected, used, governed and protected. As AI systems increasingly draw on language, knowledge and data, it is critical that Māori rights, interests and authority are respected.
“A Te Tiriti-based approach is not simply about managing risk. It is about recognising tino rangatiratanga, protecting taonga, and ensuring Māori are active partners in shaping Aotearoa’s digital future. If we get this right, we can create technology that benefits everyone while honouring our constitutional foundations.”
Dr Rainbow says that while these technologies can create significant benefits, there are also significant risks including the amplification discrimination, a lack of transparency and accountability as well as risks to privacy and lack of access to redress.
“People have a right to know when technology is being used to make decisions about them, what information is being used, and how they can challenge those decisions. Human rights are not a barrier to innovation. They are the foundation for innovation that people can trust.”
The Commission says a human rights approach provides a practical pathway for balancing innovation with protection, ensuring technology works for people and communities, and building the public trust necessary for AI to be used in a way that can benefit all of us.
To learn more and to download a copy of the report or its executive summary, visit the Human Rights Commission website.
Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission offers a free and confidential information and dispute resolution service.
Go to the Human Rights Commission complaints page for more information.