[governance] GNI Statement on Communications Surveillance

[David Sullivan]

Hi all - I thought this statement from GNI might also be of interest:

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http://globalnetworkinitiative.org/news/gni-statement-communications-surveillance

GNI Statement on Communications Surveillance

Recent statements by U.S. government officials about communications
surveillance programs highlight the need for thoughtful public debate on
the appropriate balance between freedom of expression and privacy on the
one hand, and legitimate law enforcement and national security precautions,
on the other. This is not just about the United States. Communications
surveillance by any government raises questions about the clarity,
necessity, and proportionality of measures taken and their impact on human
rights, including privacy and freedom of expression.

International human rights law and standards provide obligations and
guidance as governments, companies, and civil society grapple with the
impact of new technology on matters of security and privacy. Just last
week, Frank La Rue, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression,
submitted a report<http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/RegularSession/Session23/A.HRC.23.40_EN.pdf>
to
the UN Human Rights Council on the human rights implications of government
surveillance in which he stated: “In order to meet their human rights
obligations, States must ensure that rights to freedom of expression and
privacy are at the heart of their communications surveillance frameworks.”
International human rights law sets standards that protect the freedom of
expression and privacy rights of users regardless of citizenship.

The Global Network Initiative urges governments, in the United States and
around the world, to strive for greater transparency about their laws,
regulations and actions in this sphere. Increased transparency will help
inform public debate. As governments continue to grapple with the impact of
new surveillance technologies and capabilities, the GNI urges officials to
include representatives of the public, private and civil society sectors in
their policy deliberations. Free expression and privacy will only be
protected if all viewpoints are heard.
*GNI is a multi-stakeholder group of companies, civil society organizations
(including human rights and press freedom groups), investors and academics,
who have created a collaborative approach to protect and advance freedom of
expression and privacy in the ICT sector. GNI provides resources for ICT
companies to help them address difficult issues related to freedom of
expression and privacy that they may face anywhere in the world. GNI has
created a framework of principles and a confidential, collaborative
approach to working through challenges of corporate responsibility in the
ICT sector.** *

-- 
David Sullivan
Policy and Communications Director
Global Network Initiative <http://www.globalnetworkinitiative.org>
Office: +1 202 741 5048
Mobile: +1 646 595 5373
PGP: 0x60D244AA
@David_MSullivan <https://twitter.com/David_MSullivan>

GNI has moved, please note our new address:
1200 18th St. NW, Suite 602
Washington, DC 20036
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