A declaration on digital rights: Embedding human rights in a new deal for the digital age
Think tank: Demos
Author(s): Various authors
February 10, 2026
This report from UK think tank Demos calls for a declaration on digital rights to protect citizens in the AI age.
In this report, we make the case that a demonstrated commitment from the government to preserving human rights in the face of rapid technological change will be critical for protecting citizens in the digital age.
As such, based on interviews and experts with over 40 technology and human rights experts in the UK and internationally, we highlight how data-driven technologies are currently undermining seven key human rights.
Additionally, we provide the following recommendations for the government on how to uphold these rights in the digital age in order to rebuild trust between the citizen and the state:
A UK Declaration on Digital Rights to act as a declarative commitment to future tech policy and legislation rooted in human rights frameworks.
Accompanied by binding and enforceable human rights-based tech regulation through robust cross-sectoral legal frameworks.
Redlines on technology use cases that pose unacceptable risks to fundamental rights.
Transparency, accountability, and redress.
Meaningful public participation in technology and AI governance.
