Developed jointly by the Data Protection Office of the ICRC, the UNHCR Data Protection Office, and the GPA (the global forum of all data protection authorities and regulators worldwide), the publication takes stock of the lessons learned over the past decade and of the contribution that personal data protection has brought to the humanitarian sector in its ambitions towards responsible digital transformation. It reaffirms how data protection, grounded in the respect for the rights and dignity of affected populations, is a key enabler of effective, accountable, and responsible humanitarian action in the digital age.

Since 2015, the humanitarian landscape has evolved significantly. Digital technologies, ranging from mobile-based registration tools and biometric systems to AI-assisted analysis, have become integral to humanitarian work. These tools have enhanced efficiency and reach, but they have also introduced new complex challenges, including increased third-party dependencies, data sharing, and heightened responsibilities to ensure the respect of individuals’ rights and dignity.

Bringing together leading academic and legal experts, policymakers, and humanitarian practitioners, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of how humanitarian action is adapting to these increasingly complex digital environments. It reflects on the past, but also looks ahead at the opportunities and challenges of emerging technologies, and how the sector can anticipate and prepare for them.