AI-enhanced surveillance is used as a tool to collect mass amounts of data in both times of peace and war. In situations of settler colonialism and military occupation, surveillance takes a form of alien domination and subjugation. In Palestine, surveillance serves as a central tool to maintain Israel’s settler colonial project. Israel heavily relies on collecting personal and sensitive data, including biometrics, to monitor and control the Palestinian people, the protected persons under international humanitarian law (IHL). IHL does not provide for a comprehensive framework on whether the occupying power has the authority to collect, retain and disclose data nor how to maintain strict usage of AI-enhanced surveillance. This seminar examines the legality of mass datafication of occupied people and determines potential restraints on and obligations of the occupying power under the general principles of the law of belligerent occupation. The discussion focuses on the Occupied Palestine and extents to highlight how AI-enhanced surveillance constitute a means to genocide.

Bio: Dr. Mais Qandeel is a Lecturer of International Law/ Law and Information Technologies at the Irish Centre for Human Rights, the University of Galway. She has worked extensively on issues related to international humanitarian law and human rights, and her research has three themes: i) the question of Palestine and international law, ii) the legal implications of new technologies, and iii) the protection of the natural environment in armed conflicts.