Advanced Technologies
As technology rapidly transforms the private security sector, its responsible use is essential to ensure both operational effectiveness and the protection of human rights. ICoCA supports private security companies in navigating this shift with transparency, accountability and human rights respect at the core.
Ensuring Responsible Security in the Digital Age
The private security industry is undergoing a major transformation as companies adopt advanced technologies – from drones and AI-powered surveillance to cybersecurity tools and data systems. These innovations are reshaping security services, improving efficiency and responsiveness.
However, these technological advancements also present complex challenges, including risks to privacy, oversight, accountability and potential misuse of data. Protecting human rights remains paramount as the sector evolves.
Responsible use of technology is a key strategic priority for ICoCA. To support this, ICoCA has initiated research and consultations to provide clear guidance to private security providers, technology companies and users.
The insights in the policy brief and research report below are based on extensive consultations held throughout 2024, including field missions, interviews and workshops with over 50 experts, private security companies and civil society organisations. The key findings and recommendations were further reviewed at a consultative workshop with 20 experts held in Geneva in March 2025.
As new technologies continue to transform the security landscape, ICoCA remains committed to helping the industry navigate this evolution responsibly — ensuring that respect for human rights is embedded throughout.
The second edition of ICoCA’s Responsible Security Forum, held on 26 and 27 March 2025, focused on the responsible use of technology in private security. The event included an invitation-only consultative workshop and a public webinar, bringing together industry leaders, legal professionals and policymakers.
In this webinar, experts discuss the growing role of technology, key governance and accountability challenges, and share insights from the ICoCA & ICT4Peace Foundation Toolkit to inform best practices. These discussions aim to support the development of frameworks that balance innovation with responsibility, ensuring ethical and accountable security operations.
Responsible technology use by the private security sector
In partnership with ICT4Peace and with support from the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, ICoCA launched a comprehensive Toolkit to guide private security companies (PSCs) in the ethical and responsible use of technology. This resource helps PSCs of all sizes navigate the evolving impacts of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on human rights.
Featuring 12 interconnected yet standalone tools, the Toolkit addresses key aspects of ICT use, empowering PSCs to operate with integrity and respect for human rights.
