Human Rights and Information and Communications Technologies

The law must adapt to the social changes that have occurred throughout history. In this regard, human rights have an evolutionary and dynamic nature that allows progress in their recognition in response to the values or ideals of the social context in which we are immersed, marked by globalization and the use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT). This scenario motivates the recognition of a fourth generation of human rights that is worthy of international protection. This research aims to present a brief review of the generations of human rights connected to the historical moment when they were established, emphasizing the birth of the fourth generation resulting from the technological revolution we are witnessing. The new digital era has caused substantial changes in our way of working, acquiring goods and services, relating to each other, and, ultimately, living. This unprecedented social change forces us to reflect on the meaning of the relationship between technological development and human beings. The research approach is qualitative, with a reflective and critical method. A documentary review and analysis of norms and doctrine allowed us to discuss the risks we face and the areas where this transformation has been most relevant. Finally, various European regulatory actions are described to guide the necessary legal response, taking advantage of all the technological potential unfolding before us without affecting the protection of human rights. The study confirmed that an adaptation of the legal system must be proposed to ensure the effectiveness of such rights.