E-Waste in Pakistan: How Discarded Electronics are Poisoning the Land

Authors

  • Asif Ali MS Environmental Engineering & Sustainable Management, University of Bedfordshire Luton, UK

Abstract

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI), surveillance technologies, and algorithmic governance into modern societies presents complex legal and ethical challenges a phenomenon best captured by the emerging concept of “techno-legality.” This article explores the intersection of law and technology, focusing on how AI-driven systems, state surveillance, and digital decision-making are redefining accountability, privacy, and human rights. It critically examines issues such as the opacity and bias in algorithmic decision-making, the absence of legal personhood for autonomous systems, and the weakening of democratic oversight in digital governance frameworks. By analyzing prominent global case studies including China’s Social Credit System and the U.S. NSA surveillance programs the article demonstrates the uneven global landscape of techno-legal regulation. The discussion extends to regulatory instruments such as the EU AI Act and GDPR, highlighting their strengths and limitations in addressing rights-based concerns. Furthermore, it evaluates the ethical and legal implications for marginalized communities, who are disproportionately impacted by opaque digital systems. Emphasizing the need for international legal harmonization and inclusive governance models, the article calls for multi-stakeholder collaboration between legal scholars, technologists, and civil society. It concludes with actionable policy recommendations, including the formulation of human rights-centered digital laws, algorithmic transparency mandates, and democratic oversight structures. In an age where technology rapidly outpaces legislation, this paper underscores the urgency of rethinking legal paradigms to foster a more accountable and equitable digital future.

Keywords: Techno-Legality, Artificial Intelligence, Surveillance, Digital Governance, Privacy, Human Rights, Algorithmic Bias, Regulatory Frameworks, Ethical AI, International Law

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Published

2025-07-17

How to Cite

Asif Ali. (2025). E-Waste in Pakistan: How Discarded Electronics are Poisoning the Land. `, 4(01), 920–930. Retrieved from https://assajournal.com/index.php/36/article/view/589