Beyond the Protective Effect: Towards a Theory of Harm for Information Communication Technologies in Mass Atrocity Response

Genocide Studies and Prevention: An International Journal, Volume 11, Issue 1, Article 5, 2017

18 Pages Posted: 30 Oct 2017

See all articles by Kristin Sandvik

Kristin Sandvik

International Peace Research Institute, Oslo (PRIO); University of Oslo

Nathaniel Raymond

University of Oslo

Date Written: October 27, 2017

Abstract

Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) are now being employed as a standard part of mass atrocity response, evidence collection, and research by non-governmental organizations, governments, and the private sector. Deployment of these tools and techniques occurs for a variety of stated reasons, most notably the ostensible goal of “protecting” vulnerable populations. However, these often experimental applications of ICTs and digital data are occurring in the absence of agreed normative frameworks and accepted theory to guide their ethical and responsible use. This article surveys the current state-of-the-art of ICT use in mass atrocity response and research to identify harms and hazards inherent in the use of ICT-centric approaches in mass atrocity producing environments. The article proposes an initial theory of harm for evaluating the potential risks and impacts of these applications as a critical component of developing ethical standards for the responsible use of ICTs in the mass atrocity response context.

Keywords: Mass Atrocity, Information Communication Technology, Crisis Mapping, Humanitarian, Human Rights, Ethics

Suggested Citation

Sandvik, Kristin Bergtora and Raymond, Nathaniel, Beyond the Protective Effect: Towards a Theory of Harm for Information Communication Technologies in Mass Atrocity Response (October 27, 2017). Genocide Studies and Prevention: An International Journal, Volume 11, Issue 1, Article 5, 2017, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3060765

Kristin Bergtora Sandvik (Contact Author)

International Peace Research Institute, Oslo (PRIO) ( email )

Oslo
N-0260 Oslo
Norway

University of Oslo ( email )

PO Box 6706 St Olavs plass
Oslo, N-0317
Norway

Nathaniel Raymond

University of Oslo

PO Box 6706 St Olavs plass
Oslo, N-0317
Norway

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