Tag Archives: Artificial Intelligence

Rome 2027 IPSA World Congress RC26 Open Panels

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1. Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights and the Uncertain Future of Democracy

Convenor: Dr. Alex Sander Xavier Pires

Chair: Dr. Anju Gupta

Discussant: Dr. Oscar Perez de la Fuente

ID: PL-4494

Panel: https://www.ipsa.org/wc/panel/artificial-intelligence-human-rights-and-uncertain-future-democracy

2. Artificial Intelligence, Surveillance, and Human Rights: Governance Challenges in Uncertain Democracies

Convenor: Prof. Cássius Guimarães Chai

Chair: Mr. Furqan Ahmed

Discussant: Prof. Carla Teixeira

ID: PL-3971

Panel: https://www.ipsa.org/wc/panel/artificial-intelligence-surveillance-and-human-rights-governance-challenges-uncertain

3. Biometric States and Digital Surveillance: Human Rights in an Age of Datafied Governance

Convenor: Dr. Sumant Kumar

Chair: Dr. Sumant Kumar

Co-chair: Dr. Keerthiraj S

Discussant: Dr. Arvind Shukla

ID: PL-4137

Panel: https://www.ipsa.org/wc/panel/biometric-states-and-digital-surveillance-human-rights-age-datafied-governance

4. Climate Change as a Human Rights Crisis: Justice, Accountability, and Future Generations

Convenor: Dr. Sumant Kumar

Chair: Dr. Priyadarsini Sahu

Discussant: Dr. Sumant Kumar

ID: PL-4140

Panel: https://www.ipsa.org/wc/panel/climate-change-human-rights-crisis-justice-accountability-and-future-generations

5. Disinformation and Human Rights: Challenges for Democracy, Governance and the Rule of Law

Convenor: Dr. Alex Sander Xavier Pires

Chair: Dr. Alex Sander Xavier Pires

Co-chair: Prof. Jędrzej Skrzypczak

Discussant: Prof. Cássius Guimarães Chai

ID: PL-4044

Panel: https://www.ipsa.org/wc/panel/disinformation-and-human-rights-challenges-democracy-governance-and-rule-law

6. Education for Peace, Democracy and Human Rights: Global Challenges and New Perspectives

Convenor: Dr. Alex Sander Xavier Pires

Chair: Dr. Alex Sander Xavier Pires

Co-chair: Prof. Cássius Guimarães Chai

Discussant: Prof. Jędrzej Skrzypczak

ID: PL-4043

Panel: https://www.ipsa.org/wc/panel/education-peace-democracy-and-human-rights-global-challenges-and-new-perspectives

7. Governing Digital Speech: Political, Legal, and Moral Perspectives on Platform Regulation

Convenor: Dr. Oscar Perez de la Fuente

Chair: Prof. Jędrzej Skrzypczak

Discussant: Dr. Oscar Perez de la Fuente

ID: PL-4466

Panel: https://www.ipsa.org/wc/panel/governing-digital-speech-political-legal-and-moral-perspectives-platform-regulation

8. Human Rights at a Crossroads: Political Uses of Universalism in Times of Contestation

Convenor: Dr. Irene Lizzola

Chair: Dr. Lison Guignard

Co-chair: Mrs. Louise Cadorel

Discussant: no figura en la ficha pública

ID: PL-4458

Panel: https://www.ipsa.org/wc/panel/human-rights-crossroads-political-uses-universalism-times-contestation

9. Human Rights in an Age of Polycrisis: Navigating Intersecting Threats to Dignity and Democracy

Convenor: Dr. Anju Gupta

Chair: Prof. Cássius Guimarães Chai

Co-chair: Prof. Jędrzej Skrzypczak

Discussant: no figura en la ficha pública

ID: PL-3967

Panel: https://www.ipsa.org/wc/panel/human-rights-age-polycrisis-navigating-intersecting-threats-dignity-and-democracy-0

10. Human Rights in the Age of Neoliberal Framework: Reconciling Irreconcilables

Convenor: Prof. Raj Kumar Kothari

Chair: Prof. Biswanath Chakraborty

Co-chair: Dr. Tulika Chakravorty

Discussant: Ms. Srimanti Sarkar

ID: PL-4000

Panel: https://www.ipsa.org/wc/panel/human-rights-age-neoliberal-framework-reconciling-irreconcilables

11. Human Rights in Uncertain Democracies: Rethinking Governance in Asia with Special Reference to India

Convenor: Prof. Abinash Kumar

Chair: Prof. Dr. Mamta Chandra Shekhar

Discussant: no figura en la ficha pública

ID: PL-4233

Panel: https://www.ipsa.org/wc/panel/human-rights-uncertain-democracies-rethinking-governance-asia-special-reference-india

12. Life in Truth: The Legacy of Charter ’77 and Human Rights-based Dissent in Times of Democratic Backsliding

Convenor: Dr. Dagmar Kusa

Chair: Dr. Dagmar Kusa

Co-chair: Dr. Sylvia Tiryaki, JD

Discussant: Prof. James Griffith

ID: PL-3944

Panel: https://www.ipsa.org/wc/panel/life-truth-legacy-charter-77-and-human-rights-based-dissent-times-democratic-backsliding

13. Privatisation of Censorship and the Commercialisation of Propaganda in the Age of Big Platforms

Convenor: Prof. Jędrzej Skrzypczak

Chair: Dr. Oscar Perez de la Fuente

Discussant: Prof. Jędrzej Skrzypczak

ID: PL-4486

Panel: https://www.ipsa.org/wc/panel/privatisation-censorship-and-commercialisation-propaganda-age-big-platforms-rethinking

14. Shrinking Civic Space: The Global Crackdown on Dissent, NGOs, and Human Rights Defenders

Convenor: Dr. Sumant Kumar

Chair: Dr. Shreesh Kumar Pathak

Co-chair: Dr. Priyadarsini Sahu

Discussant: Dr. Sumant Kumar

ID: PL-4139

Panel: https://www.ipsa.org/wc/panel/shrinking-civic-space-global-crackdown-dissent-ngos-and-human-rights-defenders

15. State Power and Impunity: Custodial Violence, Majoritarianism, and the State of Exception

Convenor: Dr. Sumant Kumar

Chair: Miss Simran Dua

Co-chair: Ms. Ankita Suman

Discussant: Ms. Ishita Maity

ID: PL-4141

Panel: https://www.ipsa.org/wc/panel/state-power-and-impunity-custodial-violence-majoritarianism-and-state-exception

16. Statelessness, Displacement, and the Rights of the Excluded: Rethinking Protection Regimes

Convenor: Dr. Sumant Kumar

Chair: Dr. Arvind Shukla

Co-chair: Dr. Sumant Kumar

Discussant: Ms. Ishita Maity

ID: PL-4138

Panel: https://www.ipsa.org/wc/panel/statelessness-displacement-and-rights-excluded-rethinking-protection-regimes

17. Weaponized Interdependence: Sanctions, Supply Chains, and the Geoeconomics of Rivalry

Convenor: Dr. Sumant Kumar

Chair: Dr. Shreesh Kumar Pathak

Co-chair: Ms. Ishita Maity

Discussant: Dr. Sumant Kumar

ID: PL-4145

Panel: https://www.ipsa.org/wc/panel/weaponized-interdependence-sanctions-supply-chains-and-geoeconomics-rivalry

18. Who Belongs? Minorities, Human Rights and the Future of Democratic Inclusion

Convenor: Dr. Alex Sander Xavier Pires

Chair: no figura en la ficha pública

Discussant: Dr. Anju Gupta

ID: PL-4495

Panel: https://www.ipsa.org/wc/panel/who-belongs-minorities-human-rights-and-future-democratic-inclusion

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The Algorithmic Frontier: AI, Political Science, and the Future of Human Rights

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Anju Gupta

JECRC  University

 Jaipur,  India

https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6942-3583

Abstract

This paper examines the growing tension between technological innovation and the protection of human rights in the digital era, with particular emphasis on the privacy–security trade-off. While digital tools enhance communication, transportation, and public safety, they also expand the capacity for surveillance, data collection, and automated decision-making, increasing the risk of misuse, identity theft, discrimination, and other rights violations. The discussion highlights how encryption and anonymization can safeguard sensitive information, yet acknowledges that the same technological ecosystem can enable large-scale data breaches and intrusive monitoring through facial recognition, biometric identification, and AI-driven systems. To manage these risks, the paper argues for a multifaceted response that combines transparency and accountability by data-collecting organizations, ethical technology development that embeds privacy protections by design, robust legal frameworks for data protection and oversight, and sustained public awareness so individuals can better understand and mitigate online threats. Ultimately, the paper concludes that the digital age need not undermine human rights; with responsible governance and informed use, technology can support security while preserving dignity, freedom, and democratic values.

Keywords: privacy, surveillance, data protection, artificial intelligence

ISSN: 3127-4560

https://doi.org/10.67647/humanrightsblog.2026.03

As we move further into the decade, the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Political Science has transitioned from a niche technical concern to a fundamental challenge for global human rights. In 2026, the proliferation of generative AI and predictive analytics is not merely changing how we govern—it is fundamentally altering the “Social Contract.” For the international political science community, specifically those focused on human rights, this shift demands a new vocabulary of resistance and a reimagined framework for justice.

One of the most pressing political issues today is the erosion of “Epistemic Security”—the ability of a society to distinguish fact from fabrication. Generative AI has weaponized the “marketplace of ideas.” With hyper-realistic deepfakes, we have entered an era of “The Liar’s Dividend,” where the very existence of AI allows bad actors to dismiss real evidence of human rights abuses as “synthetic.”

From a political science perspective, this shatters the foundation of democratic accountability. When the public cannot agree on a shared reality, the right to free and fair elections—and the right to information—is compromised. We are seeing a shift in political strategy where the goal is no longer to convince the electorate of a particular truth, but to exhaust them with so much “synthetic noise” that they withdraw from the political process entirely.

There is another problem and that is  accountability Gap

The transition from traditional bureaucracy to “Algocracy”—governance by algorithm—represents a significant shift in state power. AI systems are now routinely used in judicial sentencing, social welfare distribution, and migration management. While proponents argue this brings “Scientific Management” and efficiency, human rights advocates see a “Black Box” problem.

In political theory, the legitimacy of the state rests on the transparency of its decisions. However, many AI models are proprietary and inscrutable. If a citizen is denied asylum or a social safety net based on a biased algorithm, whom do they hold accountable? The programmer? The data set? The machine? This lack of transparency violates the right to due process and creates a new form of “digital disenfranchisement” that disproportionately affects marginalized populations.

AI has also enabled a level of “Ubiquitous Surveillance” that would have been unimaginable to 20th-century theorists. The combination of facial recognition, gait analysis, and predictive policing has turned the “Panopticon” into a digital reality.

For the IPSA Human Rights Committee, the concern is how these tools are used to stifle dissent. In several regions, AI is used to monitor political activists in real-time, predicting protests before they happen and “pre-emptively” neutralizing opposition. This “Predictive Authoritarianism” chills the freedom of assembly and association, as the mere knowledge of being watched by an infallible algorithm forces citizens to self-censor their political expressions.

AI has also resulted in the Geopolitics of the “Compute Divide”.

In International Relations (IR), power is being redefined by access to “Compute”—the hardware and data necessary to run advanced AI. This is creating a dangerous “North-South” divide. We are witnessing a form of “Data Colonialism,” where the Global South provides the raw data (often generated by its citizens without consent), while the Global North controls the refined AI models.

This “Compute Divide” has direct human rights implications. Countries without sovereign AI capabilities are forced to rely on foreign platforms that may not align with their cultural values or legal protections. It creates a hierarchy of nations where “digital sovereignty” is a luxury, leaving the rights of billions of people at the mercy of a few transnational corporations.

Perhaps the most profound impact is on the nature of political agency. If algorithms can predict—and influence—voter behavior with 99% accuracy, what remains of the “Autonomous Individual”? Political science must now grapple with the idea that the “voter” is being replaced by a “data profile.”

The challenge for the 21st century is to draft a “Digital Bill of Rights” that treats AI not just as a tool, but as a systemic force that requires global oversight. We must move toward “Human-in-the-Loop” governance, where the final decision in any matter affecting a person’s life, liberty, or livelihood remains a human responsibility.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Political Scientists

The integration of AI into the political sphere is an “orbit-shifting” event. For the members of the IPSA, our task is to ensure that while technology evolves, the “Compass of Human Rights” remains fixed. We must advocate for the Decolonization of Data, the Auditability of Algorithms, and the Protection of the Epistemic Truth.

The new horizon of politics is digital, but our commitment must remain resolutely human. As we analyze these shifting power dynamics, let us ensure that innovation serves to expand human dignity, rather than providing new tools for its suppression.

Artificial intelligence and human rights

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Beyond Europe – RC26 session “AI and Human Rights. UN Human Rights Day – part1
” (12 December 2024, 15.15-16.45)

Chair: Prof. Jedrzej Skrzypczak (AMU, RC26 IPSA chair)
Keynote speaker:

  1. Ph.D. Francisco Bariffi (University Carlos III of Madrid) fbariffi@der-pu.uc3m.es,
    o AI and Human Rights in Global Governance: Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups in the Age of Emerging Technologies
  1. Francesco Cirillo, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Tuscia, Viterbo (Italy), francescocirillostudio@gmail.com
    • AI and Cognitive Manipulation: Are European Legislators Chasing Shadows?
  2. Marco Marsili, Research Institute for International Studies, Department of Philosophy and Cultural Heritage, Cà Foscari University of Venice, Italy.
    • Navigating the Future: Human Rights Implications of Artificial Intelligence”.
  3. dr. Dorottya Biczi (Széchenyi István University Doctoral School of Law and Political Sciences, Department of Constitutional Law and Political Science, bdorottya2000@gmail.com)
    • The potential impact of artificial intelligence on fundamental rights.

Discussants: Furqan Ahmed (South Asia Research Institute for Minorities SARIM, Karachi, Pakistan, Secretary of RC26 Board) Prof. Ewa Szewczyk (Uniwersytet Zielonogórski, Poland)

Beyond Europe – RC26 session 2“AI and Human Rights”. UN Human Rights Day – part 2

 (12 December 2024, 17.00-18.30 Warsaw/Madrid time)

Chair: Prof. Cassius Guimaraes Chai, (Universidade Federal do Maranhão /PPGDIR/Law/ /PPGAERO/Aerospace Engineering/ and Faculdade de Direito de Vitória (PPGD/Law), member of RC26 IPSA Board)

  1. Prof. Jedrzej Skrzypczak (AMU)

Challenges for freedom of expression and pluralism of opinion in the EU arising from the development of artificial intelligence

  • R.Karmegam Ph.D, Research Scholar (Full Time) Department of Political Science & Public Administration, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, TamilNadu, India-608002

            Dr.D.Sivakumar Associate Professor, Department of Political Science & Public Administration, Annamalai University,  Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu,India        

S.Sharmila Devi Associate Professor, Department of Political Science & Public Administration, Annamalai University,  Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu,India 

  • ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATION: Technologies, Diplomacy,  Algorithms.
  •  S.Sharmila Devi Ph.D, Research Scholar (External) Department of Political Science & Public Administration, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, TamilNadu,India

            Dr.M.Jeyabrabha Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science & Public Administration, Annamalai University,  Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu,India

R.Karmegam Ph.D, Research Scholar (Full Time) Department of Political Science & Public Administration, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu,India

  • ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATION: Global Diplomacy, Conflict Management and Global Inequality.
  •  Hokstok, Kinga Nagyné (PhD student, Széchenyi István University’s Doctoral School of Law and Political Sciences, Judge, Administrative Division of the Győr Regional Court)
  • The impact of the use of artificial intelligence in the workplace on the right to safe work
  • Prof. Ravisankar R S (Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science,  NSS College, Pandalam.(affiliated to the University of Kerala, India.)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI), Surveillance State and the Human Rights Jeopardy

Discussant: Prof. Oscar Pérez de la Fuente, (Carlos III University of Madrid, vice-chair of RC26 IPSA),

Title: Biotechnology in the New Age: Exploring Its Synergy with AI, Economy, Policy, Entrepreneurship, and IPR

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                                                                            Anju Gupta.

                                                                                  Head Department of Political Science

                                                                                  JECRC University, JAIPUR (India)

https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6942-3583

Abstract

This paper examines how biotechnology is increasingly shaped by—and in turn reshapes—five interconnected forces: artificial intelligence (AI), economic investment and labor markets, policy and regulation, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property rights (IPR). It highlights AI’s expanding role in data-intensive workflows such as drug discovery and more precise gene-editing pipelines, accelerating the pace from hypothesis to experimental validation. The discussion then situates biotech as a major driver of economic growth, emphasizing shifting investment patterns, the rise of high-value startups, and sector-wide job creation across research, manufacturing, and commercialization. Because biological innovation carries societal and ethical implications, the paper also considers policy-making as a key determinant of responsible progress, focusing on governance challenges such as safety assurance, equitable access, and the need for adaptive regulation that keeps pace with fast-moving technologies. Entrepreneurship is presented as the mechanism that translates scientific breakthroughs into scalable products, while acknowledging barriers including high capital requirements, long development timelines, and regulatory complexity. Finally, the paper underscores IPR as a foundation for sustained innovation, outlining how patents and related protections incentivize R&D yet raise difficult questions about ownership, licensing, and public benefit. Overall, the study frames modern biotechnology as a multidisciplinary ecosystem whose future depends on alignment between science, markets, governance, and innovation policy.

Keywords: biotechnology, artificial intelligence, policy and regulation, intellectual property rights

ISSN: 3127-4560

https://doi.org/10.67647/humanrightsblog.2024.06

Introduction:

Ah, biotechnology—a field that started out studying the tiny mysteries of life and has now become a full-fledged celebrity in science, stealing the limelight from even AI and blockchain at times. But don’t worry, this isn’t one of those stuffy science blogs. We’re here to mix biochemistry with a dash of humor and dive into how biotech is cozying up to some new-age trends like AI, economics, policy-making, entrepreneurship, and the ever-important intellectual property rights (IPR). Spoiler alert: It’s a fascinating ride.

 AI and Biotechnology: The Dynamic Duo We Didn’t Know We Needed

It was inevitable that Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology would become best friends eventually. AI has been flexing its muscles in almost every industry imaginable, but in biotech, it’s like that one friend who brings the coolest gadgets to a dinner party.

– Drug Discovery: AI helps biotech companies find new drugs faster than a teenager skipping through Netflix options. By analyzing massive amounts of biological data, AI can predict which molecules are most likely to be the next big cure. While biotech is occupied with lab work, AI is there to whisper in its ear, ‘Hey, give this one a try.’ You might like it.”

– Genetic Engineering: AI-powered CRISPR technologies are on the rise, and no, we’re not talking about a new kitchen appliance. With AI’s help, scientists can now edit genes with the precision of a chef slicing a perfect avocado. This means better crops, healthier humans, and probably a few overly excited startup founders.

Together, AI and biotechnology are like Batman and Robin, except instead of fighting crime, they’re solving the mysteries of life. And no capes are involved—yet.

 The Economy: Biotech’s Financial Glow-Up

Biotechnology isn’t just for science nerds in lab coats anymore. No, it’s a full-blown economic powerhouse. Investors are investing in biotech startups as if it were the next cryptocurrency boom (with less volatility, mostly).

– Investment Trends: Biotechnology startups are now a hot ticket item. Venture capitalists are chasing them down like they’re handing out free kombucha at a tech conference. Investors are drawn to Biotech’s promise of revolutionary cures, treatments, and eco-friendly solutions. The sector is expected to hit new highs—think more IPOs and a few more yachts for those early investors.

– Job Creation: Biotech is not just creating new drugs and therapies; it’s creating jobs. From lab researchers to marketing gurus (because even gene therapy needs a brand), the industry is bolstering the economy like a protein shake for job growth.

Sure, we may not see biotechnology sponsoring the Super Bowl halftime show anytime soon, but give it a few years. 

 Policy-Making: When Science Meets Suit-and-Tie World

If you think biotech is complicated, try navigating the maze of policies and regulations around it. Policymakers act as the grown-ups in the room, trying to figure out how to allow biotech to proceed without causing a Jurrasic Park scenario.

– Ethical Debates: Should we tweak human genes? Is it okay to modify crops? These aren’t just dinner table conversation starters anymore—they’re real issues that governments are tackling. And unlike your family’s Thanksgiving debates, these come with actual consequences.

– Regulatory Hurdles: New biotech breakthroughs like CRISPR or lab-grown meat can’t just be tossed into the market. Regulations are necessary to ensure safety, but they also can slow down innovation. It’s a bit like having to explain every step of a complicated dance to a judge before you can actually perform it. Fun? Not so much. Necessary? Absolutely.

On the bright side, once policy catches up, biotech innovations usually make a splash. Plus, we can all agree that no one wants unregulated genetic experiments running amok. Thanks, government.

 Entrepreneurship: Startups, Unicorns, and Biotech Millionaires

In the old days, if you wanted to make millions, you started an app or launched a podcast. But now, biotech entrepreneurship is the new gold rush. Forget social media influencers—bio-entrepreneurs are the next superstars.

– Startups Everywhere: Biotech startups are springing up like mushrooms after a rainstorm. Whether it’s gene-editing therapies, next-gen agriculture, or synthetic biology, there’s a startup for it. And these aren’t just hobby projects; many of them have real potential to change the world (and maybe even get a Netflix documentary).

– Challenges: Sure, starting a biotech company might sound glamorous, but it’s not all pipettes and venture capital. The costs are high, the timelines are long, and there’s always the small issue of actually getting your product through regulatory approvals. Still, for those who can navigate the murky waters, the rewards can be astronomical. 

Biotech entrepreneurs are living the dream—if your dream includes FDA paperwork and petri dishes.

 Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): The Unsung Hero of Biotech

In biotechnology, intellectual property rights (IPR) are as important as lab coats. Without strong IPR protection, innovation in biotech would look like a game of Monopoly without the rules—and trust us, nobody wants that chaos.

– Patents Galore: Biotech inventions are patent-heavy. Whether it’s a new cancer drug or a genetically modified crop, patents help companies protect their work. But navigating biotech patents can feel like playing chess against a very strict librarian—one wrong move, and your company could be out.

– Challenges: IPR in biotech can get thorny. Who owns the rights to a modified gene? Can someone really patent a part of the human body? These types of questions are what make IPR lawyers both necessary and somewhat intimidating. But at the end of the day, strong IPR ensures that the people who spend years developing new technologies get to reap the rewards.

Just remember: in biotech, patents aren’t just a piece of paper—they’re the backbone of innovation.

Conclusion:

The focus of biotechnology is no longer solely on curing diseases or creating genetically modified plants. In ways that are both surprising and exciting, this field is interconnecting with some of the most significant new-age trends, including AI, the economy, policy-making, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property rights. And while the journey might be full of twists, turns, and the occasional government form, biotech is undoubtedly carving its place in the future.

In the end, whether you’re a budding bio-entrepreneur, a policy-maker scratching your head, or just someone curious about the future of humanity, biotechnology is a field worth watching—and maybe even chuckling about along the way.