HNLU Calls For Submissions For National Conference on 'Digital Dignity: Safeguarding Human Rights in the Age of Technology'

Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), New Raipur, is pleased to announce a One-Day National Conference on “Digital Dignity: Safeguarding Human Rights in the Age of Technology” scheduled to be held online on 6th September 2025.

The conference is a joint initiative of the Centre for Law and Human Rights and the Centre for Law and Sciences, under the School of Law & Humanities and the School of Law & Technology, respectively. In this digital age, while innovative tools have empowered global societies, they have simultaneously exposed new vulnerabilities and avenues for rights violations. Complex issues such as widespread surveillance, breaches of data privacy, embedded algorithmic biases, and the proliferation of misinformation have intensified, compelling governments, regulatory bodies, and civil society to critically examine and reinforce their strategies to uphold and protect human rights amidst these dynamic threats.

This conference aims to dissect these issues and foster a dialogue on reinforcing the protection of human rights within this new technological paradigm. Central to these discussions is the notion of digital dignity—the essential principle that human rights must be equally respected and preserved within digital realms as in physical spaces.

Hidayatullah National Law University, a university for legal education and research is celebrating its 20th Year of establishment. The university's motto, 'Dharma Sansthapanartham,' translates to 'for the sake of establishing the primacy of laws of eternal values'. In line with this ethos, HNLU is dedicated to providing legal education that shapes students into more than just legal professionals, it instills in them a responsibility to contribute to society.The university has launched several innovative programmes in the last four years like Lex Osmose, Ex Arca, HNLU Press, Suigeneris, HEXA, HAAI and R-Has.

The Centre for Law & Human Rights is one of the research centres of the School of Law and Humanities under the HNLU's R-HaS Model. The centre is focussed to promote the awareness of human rights with an interdisciplinary approach bringing together all the stakeholders, academicians, professionals, non-governmental organizations working at international, national, and regional level. CLHR aims to work in research related to Human Rights to support as a resource for humanity and contribute to the nation's development.

The Centre for Law and Sciences (CLS) at HNLU, Raipur was established under the School for Law and Technology (SLT), in the year 2023. Its objective is to develop research, teaching and advocacy in law and its interface with science advances, innovation and technology. The Centre also aims to focus on the promotion of interdisciplinary research and analysis of legal, ethical, and policy implications of new scientific developments and technologies. The Centre seeks to provide a platform for research relating to scientific advancements and its impact on society at large through advocacy inputs.

Sub-themes of the Conference:

1. Digital Access as a Human Right:

• Bridging the Digital Divide and Ensuring Universal Connectivity
• Promoting Digital Literacy Among Youth, Senior Citizens, and Underprivileged Groups
• Advancing Digital Inclusion Across Gender, Linguistic, Geographic, and Social Dimensions

2. Rights of Children and Vulnerable Populations in a Technology-Driven World:

• Combating Online Exploitation, Particularly in Gaming Environments
• Enhancing Digital Wellbeing and Mental Health Protection
• Designing Inclusive, Appropriate, and Accessible Digital Tools

3. Technology, Online Platforms, and Labor Rights:

• Addressing Challenges from Automation and Artificial Intelligence
• Safeguarding Trade Union Rights in the Digital Era
• Protecting Rights of Online Gig and Platform Workers

4. Digital Free Speech and Platform Governance:

• Examining Content Moderation and Its Societal Impacts
• Analyzing Algorithmic Influences on Public Discourse
• Protecting Journalists, Activists, and Whistleblowers in Cyberspace

5. Informational Privacy versus Surveillance Technologies:

• Preserving Consumer Autonomy Against Data Fiduciaries
• Mitigating Privacy Risks Associated with Biometric Technologies
• Evaluating Government Surveillance Practices and Justifications

6. Human Rights Defenders in the Digital Age:

• Upholding the Right to Secure Communication
• Resisting Internet Bans and Censorship
• Leveraging Digital Tools for Advocacy, Mobilization, and Solidarity

7. Human Rights Implications of Emerging Technologies:

• Assessing Risks of Facial Recognition, Neurotechnology, Biotechnology, and Related Innovations
• Ensuring Ethical Standards and Human Rights Compliance in Technological Advancements

Important Dates

• Release of brochure: 25th July, 2025
• Abstract Submission Deadline: 16th August, 2025
• Notification of Selected Abstracts: 18th August, 2025
• Full Paper Submission: 30th August, 2025

Submission Guidelines

For abstract:

• The abstract is to be around 300 words (inclusive of 5 key words) and to be accompanied by a brief profile (in 50 words) of the author indicating his/her email ID, contact number, designation, and official address.
• The abstract should be in following format:
• Times New Roman, Font Size 12 & Line spacing 1.5, Justified
• 1-inch margins on all the four sides, Paper size: A4
• All submission are to be made in MS word format only
• Please name your attachment as follows: _ e.g. if author's name is John Doe then the file name should be JohnDoe_abstract.
• By submitting an abstract you grant the organizers permission to publish the abstract in hard copy and electronic formats for distribution during the Conference.
• IMPORTANT: Along with the abstract, the author(s) will be required to provide details about the problem identified.
• The author(s) will have to address the theme to which his/their paper belongs.
• Please click the Link given below or scan the QR Code for submission of abstract: https://forms.gle/LwUT8v5cHqAjpXmt6

For Full paper:

• Selected abstracts will be provided with a link for full paper submissions.
• The word limit for a research paper/article along with an abstract is 3500-5000 words (excluding footnotes), which must be submitted in MS Word format.
• Font: Times New Roman, Font Size: 12, Line spacing: 1.5, A4 size paper with 1” margin on all sides.
• The papers are not to exceed 10 % similarity under any anti-plagiarism detection software.
• For citation, the author is required to follow the Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation, 20th edition.
• The final paper shall mandatorily have the suggestions/recommendations made by the author(s).
• Final submission shall be accompanied by duly filled in and scanned 'DECLARATION OF RESPONSIBILITY & ASSIGNMENT OF COPYRIGHT FORM' to be provided with the communication of acceptance.
• The selected papers may be published in an edited book with ISBN Number.

Conference Registration

After intimation of selected of abstracts, selected participants will have to register paying conference registration fee as follows:

• Faculty and Professionals: Rs. 1500
• Research Scholars and Students: Rs. 1000

A maximum of two authors are allowed per paper. No fee shall be refunded in case any author fails to attend the conference on the date of event.

Note:

• Co-authorship of up to two authors is permitted with the submission of registration fees by both authors separately.
• Conference certificates will be issued only for participants who attend the conference online from Inaugural to Valedictory sessions.

Contact

• Dr. Debmita Mondal | centerforlawandsciences@hnlu.ac.in | Whatsapp: 8827116648