Framework for meaningful engagement in Human Rights impact assessments of AI

ECNL and SocietyInside have created this practical Framework to help anyone designing products or services using artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning or algorithm-based data analytics to involve their stakeholders in that process. You may be a small or large business, a civil society organisation, government department or civic institution of any type who wants to understand how to engage with stakeholders at timely points in software development process using AI. This could be as part of your broader human rights due diligence responsibility, AI human rights impact assessment, ethical assessment, risk assessment or compliance with similar processes and frameworks.

The Framework is the result of a co-creation and consultation process involving over 150 individuals and groups from civil society, business and public service across the globe. It builds on the UN Guiding Principles on Business on Human Rights (UNGPs) which establish a global expectation of business conduct. It is designed to provide guidance for effective planning, delivery, action and feedback on stakeholder engagement. Those seeking to involve stakeholders will feel more confident about its purpose, process and outcomes and therefore are more motivated to involve them and take their contributions seriously. It provides tools and templates, that will be refined following the pilot phase and the lessons learned will contribute to a final Framework and suite of online materials.