Principles on the Application of Human Rights to Communications Surveillance

Following media reports in July 2013 on world-wide surveillance program run by the U.S. NSA, a group of 215 Non-Government Organizations released “International Principles on the Application of Human Rights to Communications Surveillance”.[2] This document attempts to explain how international human rights law applies in the current digital environment, particularly in light of the increase in and changes to communications surveillance technologies and techniques. These principles are the outcome of a global consultation with civil society groups, industry and international experts in communications surveillance law, policy, and technology.