UN Experts Warn of ‘Surveillance Creep’ Threatening Democracy, Call for Urgent Global Safeguards

“Digital surveillance is no longer an exceptional tool—it is becoming embedded in daily governance and public life,” the experts said.

United Nations human rights experts have issued a sweeping warning over the rapid global expansion of intrusive digital surveillance technologies, cautioning that their normalisation in everyday life is eroding fundamental freedoms and undermining democratic systems.

In a joint statement, the experts highlighted how unchecked surveillance—often powered by artificial intelligence (AI)—is increasingly being deployed against civil society, journalists, political opposition, and minority groups, creating what they describe as a "climate of fear" that suppresses dissent and weakens civic participation.

"Digital surveillance is no longer an exceptional tool—it is becoming embedded in daily governance and public life," the experts said. "When used arbitrarily or excessively, it undermines the very foundations of democracy and the rule of law."

From Security Tool to Systemic Risk

Originally justified for law enforcement and national security, surveillance technologies are now being widely used across sectors including border control, counter-terrorism, and public order management. However, the absence of robust legal frameworks has allowed their scope to expand rapidly—often without adequate oversight or accountability.

Experts warn that AI-driven systems are amplifying these risks. Capable of analysing vast datasets in real time, such technologies can:

• Predictively profile individuals and communities

• Track and monitor behaviour at scale

• Suppress or censor online expression

• Amplify misinformation and algorithmic bias

These capabilities, when misused, can enable authorities to target dissenters and critics with unprecedented speed and precision.

"The integration of AI into surveillance systems dramatically increases the scale and impact of rights violations," the statement noted.

A Global 'Surveillance Ecosystem' Emerging

The experts stressed that modern surveillance cannot be viewed in isolation. Instead, it forms part of a complex and interconnected ecosystem, driven by collaboration between governments, private technology firms, and data brokers.

These opaque partnerships, they warned, are effectively expanding state surveillance powers beyond traditional limits, often without public scrutiny.

"Surveillance ecosystems reinforce themselves," the experts said. "Without holistic regulation, they risk becoming entrenched systems that normalise constant monitoring."

Chilling Effect on Freedoms and Civic Space

One of the most pressing concerns raised is the "chilling effect" created by pervasive surveillance. When individuals believe they are being watched, they are less likely to speak out, protest, or engage in political activity.

This has direct implications for:

• Freedom of expression

• Right to peaceful assembly and association

• Privacy and personal autonomy

Experts say the impact is particularly severe for human rights defenders, activists, journalists, and marginalised communities, who are often disproportionately targeted.

Legal Frameworks Falling Behind

The statement also criticises the growing use of broad and vaguely defined laws—such as those targeting "extremism," "foreign agents," or cybercrime—which are increasingly used to justify expansive surveillance powers.

These legal tools, the experts argue, are frequently applied in ways that criminalise legitimate civil society activity, further shrinking democratic space.

"Such laws are enabling surveillance practices that go far beyond what is necessary or proportionate in a democratic society," they warned.

Call for Urgent Global Action

To address the escalating risks, UN experts are calling for a comprehensive overhaul of how surveillance technologies are governed at national and international levels.

Key recommendations include:

• Strict legal limits on surveillance, aligned with international human rights law

• Independent judicial oversight for any use of surveillance tools

• Mandatory human rights impact assessments for AI and digital technologies

• Prohibition of high-risk technologies that cannot meet human rights standards

• Robust data protection frameworks, including safeguards on data quality and security

• Accessible accountability mechanisms and remedies for individuals harmed by surveillance

The experts also emphasised the responsibility of the private sector, urging technology companies to conduct rigorous due diligence throughout the lifecycle of surveillance tools—from development to deployment.

Push for Binding International Treaty

In a significant call to action, the experts advocated for the development of a legally binding international instrument to regulate digital surveillance technologies.

Such a framework, they argue, is essential to prevent arbitrary and indiscriminate surveillance and to ensure consistent global standards.

"Without coordinated international action, the unchecked spread of surveillance technologies will continue to outpace safeguards," the experts said.

A Critical Moment for Digital Rights

As governments increasingly turn to technology to manage security and governance challenges, the warning underscores a pivotal moment for global human rights protections in the digital age.

The choices made now—experts caution—will determine whether technology serves as a tool for empowerment or a mechanism of control.

"The protection of human dignity, privacy, and freedom must remain at the centre of technological progress," the statement concluded.