The Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination and
Xenophobia has called on civil society to submit its observations in the context of the
preparation of a report on artificial intelligence and the racial discrimination it can engender.
ASSEDEL has responded to this call by submitting the present report.
ASSEDEL demonstrates that the use of artificial intelligence tools can lead to discriminatory
practices, particularly towards racial and ethnic minorities. ASSEDEL based its study on an
analysis of the current European legal framework governing the use of algorithms.
After detailing the current state of the legal framework, the report focuses on the shortcomings of
the latter, particularly in its interpretation of the principles of transparency and explicability. The
report discusses the concept of “black boxes” and highlights the discriminatory practices that
result from their use.
Finally, the report looks at the alarming consequences of these practices for the respect and
realization of various human rights, such as the right to health or the right to freedom of
movement. ASSEDEL ends the report with a brief conclusion, setting out the association’s
recommendations for promoting and guaranteeing a fairer realization of human rights in the
context of the use of artificial intelligence.
The report is based on legal sources provided by the relevant institutions (Council of Europe,
European Parliament, etc.), studies carried out by European equality bodies, press articles
reporting discriminatory practices, and surveys carried out by various NGOs and media outlets
such as Amnesty International and Mediapart.
To read the full report, please click here.
