Artificial intelligence (AI) is often heralded as a transformative force capable of solving some of humanity’s biggest challenges. But alongside its promise, AI carries profound risks, particularly to human rights. From biased algorithms to unchecked surveillance, the misuse of this technology can undermine freedoms we hold dear. Recognising this, the U.S. Department of State has introduced a “Risk Management Profile for Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights.” It is a comprehensive guide designed to ensure that AI development and deployment align with international human rights standards.

At its heart, this initiative looks to bridge a critical gap of translating the universal principles of human rights into actionable practices for technologists, policymakers, and businesses. It offers a roadmap for integrating ethical considerations into AI risk management frameworks, particularly the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF). This framework provides a structured approach to making AI systems safe, trustworthy, and rights-respecting throughout their lifecycle.

Why Human Rights Matter in AI Governance

International human rights laws, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), offer a globally recognised foundation for AI governance. These principles are not just moral guidelines, they are practical tools for assessing the societal impacts of technology. Governments have an obligation to protect these rights, while private companies bear the responsibility to respect them through due diligence processes.

The risks posed by AI are deeply intertwined with human rights. Privacy violations, algorithmic discrimination, and threats to freedom of expression are just some examples. For instance, flawed datasets can perpetuate racial or gender biases, while surveillance technologies can stifle dissent or enable authoritarian control. Addressing these risks requires embedding human rights considerations into every stage of the AI lifecycle, i.e. from design to deployment.

A Practical Framework for Ethical AI

The Risk Management Profile outlines how organisations can use the NIST AI RMF’s four core functions—Govern, Map, Measure, and Manage—to integrate human rights into their operations:

• Govern: Set up clear policies and institutional structures that prioritise human rights in AI activities. For example, companies should adopt public commitments to respect human rights and implement algorithmic impact assessments.
• Map: Find potential risks by consulting diverse stakeholders and analysing the broader societal context in which AI will operate. This includes assessing unintended consequences like privacy breaches or chilling effects on free speech.
• Measure: Develop metrics to monitor AI systems for errors or biases that could harm individuals or groups. Regular impact assessments should focus on vulnerable populations and marginalised communities.
• Manage: Prioritise actions to mitigate risks based on their severity and likelihood. Organisations must also set up mechanisms for transparency, accountability, and redress when harms occur.

Balancing Innovation with Responsibility

AI’s potential to advance human rights is immense, it can improve access to education, healthcare, and justice while exposing abuses like forced labour or environmental degradation. However, this potential can only be realised if ethical safeguards are in place. The Profile emphasises that responsible AI governance is not about stifling innovation but ensuring it serves humanity rather than harming it.

For example, designing systems with privacy-enhancing technologies or ensuring datasets are representative can prevent discriminatory outcomes. Similarly, involving civil society in decision-making processes can help identify risks early and build trust among users.

A Call to Action

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in our lives, the stakes for getting its governance right have never been higher. The Risk Management Profile offers a vital toolkit for aligning technological progress with ethical imperatives. But its success depends on collective action, from governments enforcing regulations to companies adopting best practices and civil society holding all actors accountable.

In a world where technology often outpaces regulation, this framework provides a much-needed anchor; a way to ensure that innovation does not come at the expense of our fundamental freedoms. The question now is whether we will seize this opportunity to create an Artificial Intelligence ecosystem that respects human dignity or allow its promise to be overshadowed by its perils.

The future of AI is still being written. Let us make sure it is one we can all live with.