The Principles Week of Action: A world without mass surveillance

Between 15 and 19 September, several digital rights organisations, including EDRi and many of its members, will be celebrating the first anniversary of the 13 International Principles on the Application of Human Rights to Communications Surveillance. The Principles were first launched in the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 20 September 2013.

Drawing on international law and jurisprudence, the Principles articulate the obligations of governments under international human rights law in the digital age. The Principles are a product of a collaborative effort of privacy experts, human rights lawyers and civil society groups. They provide a tool to evaluate and help reform governments’ surveillance practices.

On the occasion of their first anniversary, a series of blog posts will be published in order to raise awareness on global mass surveillance issues such as metadata, data retention, transparency and the integrity of communications. EDRi member Access is also hoping to publish an implementation guide providing more details on how to apply the Principles into law.

Finally, as part of this week of action, Access will be coordinating the presentation of awards to those who have championed the Principles and a negative prize for those who have worked against the Principles. The public can participate in nominating the candidates – individuals, government officials, agencies, or companies – for these awards before 12 September. Awards’ winners will be announced during the Week of Action.

The 13 Necessary and Proportionate Principles
https://en.necessaryandproportionate.org/take-action/redpatodos

Principles Questionnaire Form: Help us celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Principles!
https://docs.google.com/a/accessnow.org/forms/d/1djUkW3vpB7CWJ2LWerNQiIkuzkwz7nXuh4BUTMD1ky0/viewform

(Contribution by Estelle Massé, EDRi member Access, International)