Protecting the Freedom of Thought and Modern International Law

The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) is pleased to host a collaborative expert workshop, “Protecting the Freedom of Thought and Modern International Law.” This session will take place on Wednesday, March 4, 2025, in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

Freedom of thought — a fundamental human right — is increasingly under pressure from emerging technologies, while legal protections remain fragmented and underdeveloped. Innovations such as artificial intelligence-driven curation, neurotechnologies and algorithmic content personalization on social media threaten this right. The workshop will bring together a diverse group of experts in international law, human rights, neurotechnology and other relevant fields to deliberate on the methodology, scope and path forward for a potential UN Human Rights Committee general comment to provide much-needed clarity.

This workshop is part of a broader program in partnership with the Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA), running from March 3–5, 2025, at the CIGI Campus.

The program begins with an informal evening gathering on March 3, providing an opportunity for participants to connect ahead of the workshop discussions. On the evening of March 4, in-person attendees are invited to a special screening of Werner Herzog’s documentary Theatre of Thought, followed by a panel featuring experts who will explore the implications of emerging neurotechnologies. The program concludes on the morning of March 5 with an academic round table hosted by the BSIA, where faculty and students from the BSIA, Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo will share and discuss ongoing research related to neurotechnology and human rights.

Please note: the workshop, round table, and dinners are private events. The documentary screening will be open for public registration shortly.