UN human rights panel passes resolution to protect privacyNovember 26, 2014 - 12:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A landmark resolution demanding privacy protection in the digital age and urging governments to offer redress to citizens targeted by mass surveillance has been approved by the UN general assembly’s human rights committee, the Guardian reports. The resolution, which was adopted Tuesday, Nov 25, in the face of attempts by the U.S. and others to water it down and which comes at a time when the UK government is calling for increased surveillance powers, had been put forward by Brazil and Germany in the wake of revelations by U.S. intelligence whistleblower Edward Snowden about large-scale U.S. surveillance. However, diplomats reported that a reference to surveillance using metadata – information generated through the use of technology – as an intrusive act was removed in order to appease the U.S. and its British, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand allies in the so-called “Five Eyes” surveillance alliance. Nevertheless, the text does still contain a precedent-setting mention of metadata, warning that “certain types of metadata, when aggregated, can reveal personal information and give an insight into an individual’s behavior, social relationships, private preferences and identity.” It also emphasizes the role of the private sector in digital surveillance, saying, “business enterprises have a responsibility to respect human rights.” While not naming any in particular, it calls on states to review their procedures, practices and legislation regarding the surveillance of communications, their interception and the collection of personal data, including mass surveillance, with a view to upholding the right to privacy under international human rights law. Although are non-binding, such resolutions carry significant moral and political weight if they are supported by enough states. The resolution was approved by the 193-member committee as a follow-up to a similar text adopted last year after Snowden, a former US National Security Agency (NSA) contractor, exposed a major spying program by the agency. Germany’s ambassador meanwhile, according to the Guardian, called for the UN to create a special investigator post on the issue, warning that “without necessary checks, we risk turning into Orwellian states where every step by every citizen is monitored.” The resolution, while will now goes before the full assembly in December, was also welcomed by individuals and campaigning organizations including Privacy International, which said that text was at odds with calls in Tuesday’s report by the British parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee for internet companies to look through user data for state authorities. “The resolution adopted today pushes back against this idea, stating that states must respect the right to privacy when they require disclosure of personal data from companies, as well as when they intercept digital communications of individuals or collect personal data,” the charity said. Tomaso Falchetta, Advocacy Officer at Privacy International, added: “The adoption of a much-needed resolution on the right to privacy is a welcomed step. The resolution’s principles and recommendations would, if reflected in governments’ policies, go a long way to address some of the serious concerns related to state’s surveillance practices in violation of the right to privacy and other human rights.” The text also urges the UN Human Rights Council (UNHCR) to consider the establishment of a special procedure for participating actively in the debate on such topics, including through the creation of a mandate for a special rapporteur. Photo: Alamy Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Director General of Ucom takes part in recruiting conference Ralph Yirikian participated in the Recruit Days business and networking conference organized by Move2Career. Ameriabank named Best Bank in Armenia for 2024 by Global Finance Ameriabank has been named the Best Bank in Armenia by Global Finance magazine in its 31st annual awards. Armenia to participate in key EU meeting for the first time ever National Assembly speaker Alen Simonyan has said that Armenia will for the first time participate in the Conference. Lavrov rejects Armenia’s “defamation” of Russia, CSTO Lavrov decried the Armenian leaders’ “defamation” of Russian soldiers and border guards deployed in Armenia. |