AI risks leaving older people behind, warns Leicester expert heading to UN
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As society races to adopt artificial intelligence and digital technology, older people are at risk of being left behind unless human rights protections evolve to keep pace, according to a University of Leicester researcher set to lead discussions at the United Nations this month.
Dr Sarah Jane Fox, a lecturer at Leicester Law School and Associate Director of the Institute for Digital Culture, has been invited to speak at this year’s United Nations’ World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in Geneva later this month. At the Summit, Dr Fox will examine whether existing human rights frameworks are sufficient for today’s technological age.
Her session, I.T.U. - leaving no one behind... I need a Telephone to connect to yoU links to her previous research into the relationship between advancements in technology, human rights and the experiences of older people in the digital world.
The discussion comes as healthcare, banking, transport and government services are becoming increasingly reliant on online-first systems and artificial intelligence. Dr Fox argues that policymakers must ensure that no group is excluded as society becomes more digital.
Dr Fox’s research explores whether a new generation of human rights protections may be needed to address challenges created by AI and digital technologies in an increasingly connected world, particularly for older people.
Discussing her research, Dr Fox said: “Technology advancements are moving rapidly, and it remains essential to ensure technology is used to advantage and not disadvantage society; and that no-one is left behind, but that equally, all within society are protected from misuse.”
Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland supports Dr Fox’s research. A spokesperson said: "We are delighted to support the work of Dr Fox and thank her for contributions and support in elevating conversations relating to the older generation and technologies of today and for the future."
This year’s session links back to her previous session at the United Nations called Back to the Future: Putting the “I” back into AI, which explored the importance of ensuring individuals retain an equitable voice and fair opportunity.
During this year’s event, Dr Fox has also been invited to participate in further panel discussions, firstly, as part of the E.C. MEDICI framework, relating to ‘the role of humans in the cyber age,’ and, additionally, as a panel member for the United Nations, ‘Foresight for FAIR Cities’ discussions – which explores AI risks and mitigation strategies.
Over the last 12 months, Dr Fox has been an expert contributor to a number of U.N. working groups relating to the future of people-centred smart cities. As a member of these groups, she has aided in leading discussions relating to future connected transport systems and modes.
This year also marks a significant milestone for Dr Fox’s international policy work. She said: "I am delighted to have been selected to lead a session at the United Nations. This year marks my 10th anniversary of contributing to UN policy developments linked to the Digital, Sustainable Development Goals.”
Prior to joining academia, Dr Fox worked in government and consultancy roles focused on transport, mobility and technology policy. In 2024, she was named a Top 20 finalist in the United Nations Gamechanger Awards in the Peace, Inclusive Societies and Collaboration category.
The World Summit on the Information Society takes place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 6–10 July and coincides with the AI for Good Summit. WSIS is co-hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Swiss Confederation, and co-organised with UNESCO, UNDP and UNCTAD, with support from the UK Government.
Dr Sarah Jane Fox, a lecturer at Leicester Law School and Associate Director of the Institute for Digital Culture, has been invited to speak at this year’s United Nations’ World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in Geneva later this month. At the Summit, Dr Fox will examine whether existing human rights frameworks are sufficient for today’s technological age.
Her session, I.T.U. - leaving no one behind... I need a Telephone to connect to yoU links to her previous research into the relationship between advancements in technology, human rights and the experiences of older people in the digital world.
The discussion comes as healthcare, banking, transport and government services are becoming increasingly reliant on online-first systems and artificial intelligence. Dr Fox argues that policymakers must ensure that no group is excluded as society becomes more digital.
Dr Fox’s research explores whether a new generation of human rights protections may be needed to address challenges created by AI and digital technologies in an increasingly connected world, particularly for older people.
Discussing her research, Dr Fox said: “Technology advancements are moving rapidly, and it remains essential to ensure technology is used to advantage and not disadvantage society; and that no-one is left behind, but that equally, all within society are protected from misuse.”
Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland supports Dr Fox’s research. A spokesperson said: "We are delighted to support the work of Dr Fox and thank her for contributions and support in elevating conversations relating to the older generation and technologies of today and for the future."
This year’s session links back to her previous session at the United Nations called Back to the Future: Putting the “I” back into AI, which explored the importance of ensuring individuals retain an equitable voice and fair opportunity.
During this year’s event, Dr Fox has also been invited to participate in further panel discussions, firstly, as part of the E.C. MEDICI framework, relating to ‘the role of humans in the cyber age,’ and, additionally, as a panel member for the United Nations, ‘Foresight for FAIR Cities’ discussions – which explores AI risks and mitigation strategies.
Over the last 12 months, Dr Fox has been an expert contributor to a number of U.N. working groups relating to the future of people-centred smart cities. As a member of these groups, she has aided in leading discussions relating to future connected transport systems and modes.
This year also marks a significant milestone for Dr Fox’s international policy work. She said: "I am delighted to have been selected to lead a session at the United Nations. This year marks my 10th anniversary of contributing to UN policy developments linked to the Digital, Sustainable Development Goals.”
Prior to joining academia, Dr Fox worked in government and consultancy roles focused on transport, mobility and technology policy. In 2024, she was named a Top 20 finalist in the United Nations Gamechanger Awards in the Peace, Inclusive Societies and Collaboration category.
The World Summit on the Information Society takes place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 6–10 July and coincides with the AI for Good Summit. WSIS is co-hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Swiss Confederation, and co-organised with UNESCO, UNDP and UNCTAD, with support from the UK Government.