Ultimate control: Lessons from China on the impact of technology on freedom of religion or belief

If not properly managed, [new and emerging technologies] can pose new challenges for the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms and respect for human dignity…It is time to take a holistic approach to the broad spectrum of human rights implications posed by new and emerging technologies.

– Joint Statement on New and Emerging Technologies and Human Rights, delivered by the Republic of Korea on behalf of 60 states at the 40th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, 8 March 2019

Introduction

As new technologies continue to emerge at a pace unrivalled in human history, it is essential that the international community maintains intense scrutiny on the full extent of the impact of such technology. While new technologies can bring about a wide range of benefits, including to global civil society, it is important also to be aware that these technologies can have profound and significant effects on the full enjoyment of fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB).

This report focuses on how technology is used to facilitate FoRB violations. It focuses specifically on China, where the use of technology to suppress and restrict the rights of religious groups is perhaps most acute and most advanced. A focus on China is further justified by growing concerns that the technologies being employed in the country are increasingly being sold to other countries seeking to implement similarly repressive surveillance apparatus.

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