Promoting Responsible Security Technology Use at the VPI Plenary

ICoCA, an active Observer of the Voluntary Principles Initiative (VPI), participated in the VPI Plenary held in London from 18-21 March to address the growing challenge of emerging security technologies pose to human rights. Our Executive Director, Jamie Williamson, co-led a panel discussion with VPI on the responsible use of these technologies, during which he introduced the ICoCA and ICT4peace Foundation Toolkit, designed to help bridge regulatory gaps in the sector.

Navigating the Complexities of Emerging Security Technologies

The increasing deployment of advanced security technologies, such as surveillance tools, raises critical concerns, particularly in low-governance environments where regulatory oversight is weak or absent. In many jurisdictions, legal frameworks are either missing or inconsistent across jurisdictions, creating significant compliance challenges for security providers and their clients operating across borders.

These gaps in regulation heighten the risk of misuse, especially in contexts with limited enforcement. The resulting human rights implications are serious, with defenders, social justice advocates and local communities facing greater vulnerability to surveillance, intimidation or other abuses.

To ensure responsible use, it is critical that developers and vendors are included in the conversation and made aware of the potential human rights impacts of their technologies.

Empowering Clients to Set the Standard for Security Practices

Clients of private security companies have a crucial role to play in setting industry standards. By demanding high standards and rigorous human rights due diligence from security providers, they can help drive improvements in human rights compliance across the sector. Without this commitment, they risk contributing to weaker protections.

ICoCA’s Client Working Group—comprising of ABB, AngloGold Ashanti, Barrick Gold, bp, Glencore, Holcim, Newmont Corporation, Pan American Silver Corp., Philip Morris International and Rio Tinto—continues to collaborate on driving positive change. We thank our members for their continued participation in our quarterly meetings, reinforcing the importance of collective action in ensuring private security industry standards continue to move in the right direction.

Companies that work with ICoCA-certified providers reduce their risk exposure and ensure that their security operations align with international human rights standards and humanitarian law. By working with ICoCA-certified providers, clients contribute to the establishment of stronger, more responsible practices across the industry.

We look forward to deepening our partnership with this the VPI initiative. Together, we can ensure that security technologies are deployed responsibly and that industry practices continue to evolve in line with human rights and ethical standards.