ICoCA’s 2nd Responsible Security Forum: Advancing Responsible Security in the Digital Age

As technology rapidly evolves, innovations such as CCTV, AI and cybersecurity are transforming the landscape of security services. While these advancements offer great potential to enhance security operations, they also introduce significant risks and ethical challenges, raising important questions around human rights, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), civil liberties and democracy.

Recognising the need for better governance and regulation, ICoCA convened the second edition of its Responsible Security Forum (RSF) on 26 and 27 March 2025, focusing on the responsible use of technology in private security. The two-day event included an invitation-only consultative workshop and a public webinar, bringing together industry leaders, legal professionals and policymakers to explore the evolving role of technology in private security and its ethical implications.

Co-organised with the Centre on Conflict, Development, and Peacebuilding (CCDP), the consultative workshop examined the risks associated with drones, automated intelligence and cybersecurity, particularly their impact on human rights, IHL and democracy.

The public webinar on the second day (link below) addressed key topics, including:

• How technology is reshaping private security operations
• Risks to human rights and international law
• Governance and accountability challenges
• Practical insights from the ICoCA & ICT4peace Foundation Toolkit

Experts discussed the regulatory gaps and governance challenges that arise as technology continues to play a greater role in security operations. These insights are crucial in guiding the development of frameworks that balance innovation with responsibility, ensuring security operations remain ethical and accountable in a fast-evolving industry.