SAHRC to investigate data centre growth over environmental, governance, and human rights concerns
SAHRC spokesperson, Wisani Baloyi says there are growing public concerns around the use of electricity and water, environmental impact, privacy, and the regulation of data centres.
The South African Human Rights Commission says it plans to investigate growing concerns around data centres.
The commission says the country has seen significant growth in data centres and other digital systems, which support economic growth, digital innovation, and artificial intelligence readiness.
It says, however, these developments also raise important environmental, governance, and public-interest concerns.
Spokesperson, Wisani Baloyi says there are growing public concerns around the use of electricity and water, environmental impact, privacy, and the regulation of data centres.
He says the commission is consulting with stakeholders to assess whether existing rules governing data centres comply with human rights and legal standards.
Human rights and legal standards under review for digital infrastructure
"In terms of section 184 of the Constitution and sections 13 and 18 of the South African Human Rights Commission Act 40 of 2013, the Commission is mandated to monitor, assess, investigate and report on the observance of human rights in South Africa, including emerging systemic issues which may affect constitutional rights and freedoms.
"The Commission is therefore undertaking a high-level stakeholder engagement process to assess whether current legal, regulatory, environmental, governance and industry frameworks relating to data centre development are aligned with constitutional obligations, international human rights standards and recognised best practice principles, including business and human rights standards."
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