Emerging technologies in an African humanitarian context

The focus of this webinar is on how tech for good can achieve unintended/bad consequences in shaping refugee experiences of vulnerability.

Speaker: Dr Sophie Nakueira, University of Duisburg and the Max Planck Institute of Social Anthropology.

Chaired by Professor Nils Köbis, University of Duisburg.

Title of paper: Biometric and emerging technologies in an African humanitarian context: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract:

Technological advancements have permeated various sectors and the humanitarian sector has not been left behind. In fact, many of the emerging technologies are tested in humanitarian contexts with little oversight over their effects.

The humanitarian sector is increasingly using artificial intelligence and digital platforms to predict drought and movement patterns, provide digital cash and is partnering with private tech corporations to develop algorithms and technologies to improve efficiency in the aid sector. This raises many questions of interest to scholars in the fields of policing, regulation, and law.

This presentation will explore the effects of deployment of biometric identification and its impacts on refugee protection. Using Uganda as a case study, Nakueira argues that although the deployment of biometric technologies and digital platforms were meant to ensure donor trust and account for the efficient use humanitarian aid, their impact on refugees have enhanced experiences of vulnerability because of the social impact of these technologies. She raises important questions about surveillance, data protection and privacy and shows how they intersect in a humanitarian context where humanitarian actors have unequal and unfettered power to use refugee data in their everyday operations.

Bio:

Dr. Sophie Nakueira is a Visiting Fellow, Human Understanding of Machines and Algorithms, University of Duisburg Germany and an associate researcher at the Max Planck Institute of Social Anthropology. Her research lies at the intersection of law, criminology, and anthropology. Her research foci include transnational non-state governance, security governance, vulnerable populations, and the governance of emerging threats. Her current project explores the impact of AI and emerging technologies on vulnerable populations.

This webinar is the fifth of a series of bi-monthly webinars entitled Security and Justice Futures which aim to confront the dilemmas, re-imaginings and futures of security and justice from a cross-regional perspective. Drawing from a range of speakers from north and south contexts, the series seeks to engage with both academic and practitioner audiences to encourage a mutual dialogue on the futures of security and justice in diverse contexts.

Photo Credit:

Registration of women on the biometric electoral list in Burkino Faso. Ibcherney/Flickr