The Human Rights Implications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in South Africa

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is having a major impact on all aspects of life, both in South Africa and globally. The chief technological developments associated with the 4IR offer much promise for human development and improvements in quality of life.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is having a major impact on all aspects of life, both in South Africa and globally. The chief technological developments associated with the 4IR offer much promise for human development and improvements in quality of life. Yet, as this book explores, these technologies are a double-edged sword, bringing both benefits and drawbacks, particularly in relation to the realisation and enjoyment of fundamental human rights and freedoms.

This book constitutes the first major investigation of the real and potential human rights implications of the 4IR in South Africa, following the work of the South African Human Rights Commission in this area. Addressing issues such as unemployment, poverty, development and local government in the 4IR; bias, discrimination and the digital divide; internet rights and responsibilities; privacy and cybersecurity; and predictive policing, surveillance and digital justice, this book offers an in-depth review of the current and emerging regulatory frameworks relating to human rights and 4IR-related technologies in South Africa.

With contributions from social scientists, ethicists and human rights experts, and a Foreword from the SAHRC CEO, Advocate Tseliso Thipanyane, this book will be of wide interest to policy-makers, academics and the public interested concerned with the future of South African constitutionalism.