In recent years, digital technology has transformed people’s lives and the functioning of governments to the point of bringing about radical changes in social, labor, economic, and political relations. However, it has also exacerbated preexisting inequalities and facilitated a concentration of economic—and, in turn, political—power in the hands of a few powerful corporations that control the platforms capable of monetizing the mass collection of personal data. To assess the impact of this phenomenon on human rights in our region, together with Artigo 19, Conectas, Dejusticia, Instituto Alana, Red PaPaz, and Tech Justice Law, we requested a hearing to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) during its 196th session, which is taking place in Washington, D.C., and it was granted for Tuesday, the 4th, at 12 p.m. (Buenos Aires time).

Among the key issues we included in the request for the hearing, our organizations raised concerns about the processing of personal data and the lack of accountability or oversight regarding these processes carried out by platforms in our region. CELS will warn of the risks posed by the transnational transfer of this collected information and how this weakens personal data protection standards as a result of bilateral agreements—such as the one signed in 2026 between Argentina and the United States.

The impact of digital platforms’ business models on fundamental rights such as the right to vote, as well as the consequences these models generate—leading to higher levels of discrimination and inequality—will also be part of the presentations. The effects on mental health—particularly those stemming from artificial intelligence—the impact on children, and the need to acknowledge the addictive nature of social media’s algorithmic design are other issues we will raise as concerns to the Commission.