Andorra Advocate Stresses Monitoring AI Human Rights Risks in Public Administration

Xavier Cañada, Andorra's Citizen's Advocate, has underscored his office's duty to monitor human rights risks from artificial intelligence and digitalisation in public administration, while an expert speaker highlighted the need for a "right to non-digitalisation" to avoid exclusion.

Cañada made the remarks on Thursday during a training session, "Artificial Intelligence, Digitalisation and Human Rights in Public Administration," at the Centre Cultural La Llacuna. The event drew around 100 participants from general administration, local councils, parapublic entities, and public law organisations. He described the turnout as a sign of strong institutional interest and called the session a success.

Public administration can gain efficiency from AI and digital tools, Cañada noted, but developers must also address associated dangers. The focus remained on ethical concerns rather than technical aspects. Legislation requires his office to watch for potential human rights weaknesses, though none have surfaced yet. Such training helps foresee issues, he said, and his institution acts as a partner to raise rights awareness.

Cañada drew attention to digital access barriers and divides that risk deepening inequalities. An 80-year-old unfamiliar with computers faces greater hurdles in online procedures than a 20-year-old, he observed. Administration officials are alert to these challenges to preserve service proximity and prevent exclusion.

Ismael Rins, technical secretary of the Ibero-American Federation of Ombudsmen and former defender of the people in Río Cuarto, Argentina, addressed similar themes. He warned of rights violations for those unable or unwilling to use digital systems, advocating a "right to non-digitalisation." People with age-related gaps, disabilities, rural isolation, or poverty—and those who simply choose paper-based options—deserve alternatives, Rins argued. Digital forms often lack nuance for human complexities, he said, urging "humanised" implementation with exceptions and ongoing human oversight.

Rins stressed that governments face pressure to digitally literate citizens but must instead push technologists to understand rights. He cautioned against over-reliance on private platforms like email providers, which could disrupt state interactions, and noted elections remain paper-based despite decades of tech advances.

Given the response, Cañada said his office is open to more sessions. In media comments, he added that the 2025 activity report—covering various complaints—will soon go to the Consell General before public release.