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Dr Jeff Crisp, RSC Research Associate, has written an article for Refugees Deeply cautioning that, with the current interest in ‘data-driven humanitarianism’, there are serious risks for refugees and migrants’ privacy and security from the increased collection, analysis and dissemination of data.

He writes that while the new emphasis on data can have benefits in many respects (such as determining the services and aid that refugees and migrants require), the collection of data, especially when it involves biometrics, raises significant confidentiality and security issues.

He further cautions that, “The notion that additional data will lead governments to formulate better policies also requires a reality check.”

Crisp concludes: “Protecting people on the move starts not with better data, but with an ability to understand the key threats to their rights and to change the behavior of those responsible for putting refugee and migrant lives at risk.”

Read the full article here >>

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