Glenlead researchers take a lead in the international debates on the need to protect the freedom of thought in light of advancing emerging technologies, including AI and neurotechnologies at Summit hosted by the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) in Waterloo, Canada.

At the beginning of March 2025, Glenlead researchers participated in the invite-only Protecting the Freedom of Thought and Modern International Law Summit convened by the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) and the Balsillie School of International Affairs at their Waterloo Campus in Ontario, Canada.

Over two days, a select group of international experts gathered to develop practical solutions for the protection of the right to the freedom of thought amid emerging technologies such as AI, neurotechnology, and the algorithmic personalization of online content – all of which pose an unprecedented threat to fundamental human rights.

Drawing on the work by renowned international human rights lawyer Susie Alegre, and the forthcoming Cambridge Handbook of the Freedom of Thought, edited by Patrick O’Callaghan and Glenlead research associate Bethany Shiner, the participants considered the legal principles that can stem intrusions into the right to the freedom of thought in international human rights law. The question is now how the international community, and especially the United Nations, can come together to develop the guidelines and governing framework to ensure that rapidly advancing neurotechnologies.

Glenlead Executive Director, Dr Ann Kristin Glenster, also participated in a public panel discussion, moderated by the Balsillie School of International Affairs’ Director, Dr Ann Fitz-Gerald, where Dr Glenster cautioned the audience against the slippery ethics slope of the development of unregulated neuro-technologies that could inadvertently promote a worldview rooted in eugenics. Dr Glenster acknowledged the great benefits these technologies can bring as long as they are developed, used, and governed according to binding human rights law principles and in the interest of all.

To learn more:

Susie Alegre, Freedom to Think: Protecting a Fundamental Human Right in the Digital Age (Atlantic Books, London 2022)

Patrick O’Callaghan and Bethany Shiner (eds.), The Cambridge Handbook of the Freedom of Thought (Cambridge University Press 2025).