Opportunities and Threats of Artificial Intelligence for Human Rights with Emphasis on the Fourth Generation and Human Dignity

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) represents a set of technologies that enable computers to perform a wide range of advanced functions, including visual recognition, comprehension and translation of spoken and written language, data analysis, provision of recommendations, and beyond. In another definition, AI refers to computer systems capable of executing complex tasks historically attributed only to humans—such as reasoning, decision-making, and problem-solving. AI has transformed societies and continues to shape how we live, work, and interact. With the advancement of AI technologies, their impact on human rights will intensify, generating both opportunities and challenges. This study, by employing an interdisciplinary conceptual framework that integrates the theory of international regimes and the SWOT technique, seeks to examine the influence of AI on human dignity. The findings indicate the dual (opportunity–challenge) impacts of AI on human dignity across domains such as justice, healthcare, privacy protection, and beyond. While AI systems have the potential to substantially advance the protection and promotion of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, they simultaneously pose serious risks, including discrimination, gender inequality, violations of human dignity, misuse of AI by states for repressive purposes, and breaches of international human rights law.