The Rights We Have Are Always On. Respecting, Protecting and Implementing Human Rights in the Age of Digital Transformation 30 Years after the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action

In 2023, the global community marked two significant anniversaries in human rights: the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. These milestones highlight the ongoing importance of protecting human rights amidst evolving global challenges. In this study, the authors argue that since digital transformation introduces unprecedented risks—such as misinformation, cyber insecurity, and AI-related biases — existing human rights should be adapted and applied to address these digital challenges. The study emphasizes that human rights are as essential in digital spaces as they are offline and urges governments to refine their application in the digital age, ensuring inclusivity, privacy, and equitable access to the internet. The study also advocates for international cooperation to address transnational digital threats and promote human rights in emerging digital societies.