19. September 2024 Johannesburg/Pretoria, South Africa

Last week, ICT4Peace Foundation, in collaboration with the International Code of Conduct Association (ICoCA), conducted a series of insightful workshops in South Africa, focusing on the responsible use of technology by Private Security Companies (PSCs). These sessions mark a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive toolkit addressing the human rights challenges posed by emerging technologies in the private security sector.

The workshops, held in partnership with the Security Association of South Africa (SASA) and the University of Pretoria, brought together industry professionals, academic experts, and civil society leaders. Participants engaged in dynamic discussions about the rapidly evolving landscape of private security, where technologies like drones, CCTV, cybersecurity solutions, and digital intelligence are reshaping traditional roles and introducing new services.

Key highlights of our South African visit included:

  1. Site visits, including one to 24/7 Security Services, providing firsthand insights into technology implementation.
  2. Workshops with PSCs, facilitated by SASA, exploring real-world challenges and best practices.
  3. Academic sessions at the University of Pretoria, examining the broader implications of technology in security from human rights and ethical perspectives.

These engagements offered valuable insights into South Africa’s thriving private security industry, which has seen consistent growth in registered businesses and active officers since the COVID-19 pandemic. The country’s well-regulated industry and pre-existing regulatory framework provide an excellent case study for adapting to technological advancements while maintaining high standards of human rights compliance.

The knowledge and experiences shared during these workshops are instrumental in refining our upcoming “Toolkit for the Responsible Use of Technology by PSCs.” This comprehensive resource, set to be released in early October 2024, will provide crucial guidance on managing emerging risks while upholding human rights standards in the digital age.

The toolkit will cover a wide range of topics, including:

  • Data privacy and protection
  • Surveillance and monitoring best practices
  • Mitigating algorithmic bias and discrimination
  • Ensuring accountability and transparency in ICT practices
  • Balancing security needs with freedom of expression
  • Adapting labor rights for the digital age

We at ICT4Peace Foundation are excited about the positive impact this toolkit will have on the industry. By providing practical, actionable guidance, we aim to help PSCs navigate the complex intersection of technology, security, and human rights.

Stay tuned for the release of our toolkit in October 2024. These resources will be invaluable for PSCs, policymakers, and stakeholders committed to responsible and ethical use of technology in the security sector.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to ICoCA, SASA, the University of Pretoria, and all participants for their invaluable contributions to this important initiative.

This project is lead by Anne-Marie Buzatu, Executive Director of ICT4Peace. She has done pioneering work on the role of private security companies.

She is also the author of the ground-breaking ICT4Peace publication on the role of private cyber security services companies:

FROM BOOTS ON THE GROUND TO BYTES IN CYBERSPACE: A Mapping Study on the Use of Information CommunicationsTechnologies (ICTs) in Security Services provided by Commercial Actors. https://ict4peace.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/ICT4Peace_Mapping_Study_ICTs_PSCs.pdf