Emerging technologies like AI, big data and the Internet of Things are rapidly reshaping the world in this era of digital intelligence. However, they are also bringing challenges to human rights, which makes joint efforts essential. Science and Technology Daily spoke with international experts on these issues against the backdrop of the 2025 China-Europe Seminar on Human Rights hosted by the China Society for Human Rights Studies and Cátedra China Foundation in Madrid, Spain, on June 25 on the theme "Human Rights in the Era of Digital Intelligence."

One major challenge is the persisting digital divide between different countries and regions. To better protect digital rights in underprivileged countries — particularly in the Global South — governments, in partnership with international organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union and World Bank, must prioritize building Internet infrastructure in rural and underserved areas, Denis Simon, a visiting professor at the Asian Pacific Studies Institute, Duke University, said.

The digital divide is not merely a matter of infrastructure — it also involves education, economic capacity, policy frameworks and global inequalities in technological power, Simon said, adding that large-scale investments in digital literacy, especially for women, youth and marginalized communities, are critical.

Dr. Mohammad Saiyedul Islam, a senior lecturer and researcher at the School of Overseas Education (School of Foreign Languages), Sanming University, China, stressed that digital education initiatives, such as teaching people how to use technology safely, recognizing misinformation and disinformation, and understanding their rights online, are equally important.

China has made significant strides through infrastructure investment, Internet access, digital infrastructure, and inclusive policies when it comes to bridging the digital divide, Islam said. The country has rapidly expanded 5G networks and fiber-optic coverage to rural and remote areas, with initiatives like the "Digital Rural Revitalization Strategy" bringing high-speed internet to millions of villages.

Programs like Smart Villages and e-commerce poverty alleviation initiatives have connected millions of small producers to national markets. Targeted programs in digital literacy have been launched, especially for the elderly, rural residents and ethnic minorities, Simon said.

Despite bringing benefits to people's daily life, AI is a double-edged sword. Osuagwu Obinna Ikechukwu, a Master's student at Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, said AI challenges include data privacy violations, algorithmic bias, threats to intellectual property, and opaque decision-making. Addressing these requires robust data governance, transparent and accountable AI systems, and inclusive design processes.

Simon pointed out that AI systems introduce profound new risks to fundamental rights due to their complexity, opacity and scalability.AI governance requires coordinated global action, as no single country can regulate cross-border algorithms, datasets, or platforms alone.

A global framework developed through collaboration between governments, tech companies, civil society and experts could help set clear ethical guidelines and legal protections for issues like privacy, fairness and accountability, said Islam. It is also vital to include voices from the Global South and other underrepresented regions.

Bridging the digital divide and ensuring responsible AI governance needs joint efforts — and the younger generation has a crucial role to play in it.

The younger generation is both the most affected by and the most capable of shaping the digital future, Simon said. He suggested that young people leverage social media and online platforms to educate, mobilize and advocate for equitable digital policies, and help close the digital literacy gap by mentoring peers and older generations. Governments and international bodies should institutionalize youth consultation in digital governance discussions, he added.

As a member of the younger generation himself, Obinna suggested his generation can be powerful advocates for digital rights by engaging in civic tech, promoting digital literacy, and holding institutions accountable. He also said youth-led movements can raise awareness of digital inclusion, and educational initiatives can equip others with the tools to navigate and shape the digital world responsibly.

The younger generation's role lies in translating their digital native expertise into tangible action — whether through education, technology, advocacy, or community building — while staying rooted in the principle that technology should empower, not exclude, Islam said. "The younger generation has a huge role to play in protecting people's rights in the digital and AI era."