Published on 1 February 2026

New technologies and digital protection

New technologies and digitalisation are being deployed more and more in armed conflicts and humanitarian crises. They can increase the reach and effectiveness of humanitarian measures, but they also pose risks. Switzerland is committed to the digital protection of civilians and humanitarian actors and promotes the responsible use of new technologies and humanitarian data.

Ensuring the safe and ethical use of new technologies and digitalisation in humanitarian operations. — © Adobe Stock

Exploiting the opportunities of new technologies and digitalisation and minimising risks

The use of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and digitalisation in general can significantly improve humanitarian measures – be it when searching for missing persons, analysing damaged infrastructure or providing swift assistance. The extent of humanitarian emergencies can be analysed more easily, decision-makers can get more detailed information, humanitarian actors can distribute relief supplies more efficiently and affected people can be provided with vital information via digital communication channels, even in remote regions.

Yet digitalisation also harbours risks. Not all target groups have equal access to the internet and the exclusion of marginalised groups can exacerbate existing inequalities. The digital space is also often dominated by fake news and hate speech, with reliable sources and vital information marginalised. The parties to a conflict can abuse digital technologies for the purposes of propaganda or manipulation. Humanitarian organisations are increasingly exposed to disinformation campaigns that affect their work, the safety of their staff, support from donors and the protection of the people in need. Switzerland is committed to minimising these digital risks to better protect civilians and humanitarian actors in the digital space.

Protection and responsible handling of data in humanitarian operations

Collecting data in the context of humanitarian activities poses specific challenges. How can the privacy of the people involved be guaranteed? How can it be ensured that the data collected is only used for humanitarian purposes and not for surveillance or persecution? All these issues require well-structured solutions to maximise the benefits and minimise the risks of digital data collection and processing. The humanitarian data ecosystem is closely interconnected, meaning that no organisation can manage the associated challenges on its own. Switzerland recognises this and specifically promotes dialogue and cross-sector partnerships between humanitarian and international organisations, states, civil society, academia and the private sector. In 2020, it launched the Humanitarian Data and Trust Initiative for the protection and responsible handling of humanitarian data.

Through its activities in the area of new technologies and digital protection, the PHRD helps implement Switzerland's Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27, in particular regarding humanitarian action (Goal 15) and digital governance (Goal 27).

Links

• HDTI Wilton Park Dialog about Responsible Data Sharing
• Humanitarian Data and Trust Initiative (HDTI)
• Responsible Data Sharing with Donors: Accountability, Transparency and Data Protection in Principled Humanitarian Action (WP1777)
• Handbook on data protection in humanitarian action
• OCHA Data Responsibility Guidelines
• IASC Operational Guidance - Data responsibility in humanitarian action