Freedom of thought. Our inner sanctuary – our ‘Forum Internum’. A sacred place that is entirely our own. Or is it?

In her new book ‘Freedom to Think’, human rights lawyer Susie Alegre  explores the changing landscape of our right to freedom of thought. Its vulnerability to be influenced at every possible opportunity, by those that we don’t even know are watching. Thoughts on their own are not currently illegal, there is a protected realm in our Forum Internum. But the line is shifting and the law is scurrying to keep up. Neuro-law and brain finger printing technology are beginning to be used for intelligence gathering, leading towards it being used for evidentiary purposes in a court of law. Which begs the question, can thoughts be a criminal act?

In conversation with Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, Susie Alegre discussed whether our thoughts are really our own, how the innovation of technology has allowed an analysis of our inner worlds and whether or not the law can protect us.

Speakers:

Susie Alegre is a leading human rights barrister at the internationally renowned Doughty Street Chambers. She has been a legal pioneer in digital human rights, in particular the impact of artificial intelligence on the human rights of freedom of thought and opinion. She is also Senior Research Fellow at the University of Roehampton. Her experience includes both judicial, and oversight roles in the UK and internationally. She has particular expertise on tech ethics and neuroscience through the lens of human rights, bringing both legal skills and a background in philosophy to the key ethical questions of our time.

Baroness Helena Kennedy is one of Britain’s most distinguished lawyers. She has spent her professional life giving voice to those who have least power within the system, championing civil liberties and promoting human rights. She has used many public platforms – including the House of Lords, to which she was elevated in 1997 – to argue with passion, wit and humanity for social justice. She has also written and broadcast on a wide range of issues, from medical negligence to terrorism to the rights of women and children.

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