The Global Network Initiative welcomes the 2017 report to the UN Human Rights Council presented by UN Special Rapporteur for freedom of opinion and expression David Kaye.
The report is a timely warning on the escalating threats to digital expression and Internet freedom, including increasing pressures on private actors to share user data and to restrict and monitor communications.
The “Report of the Special Rapporteur to the human rights council on the role of digital access providers” maps the human rights responsibilities of the information and communications technology sector in responding to these threats, identifying best practices for companies. Critically, the report also outlines steps that all States can take to meet their responsibility to protect freedom of expression online.
The GNI was pleased to contribute to this report. Our newly expanded freedom of expression and privacy initiative has since March included seven companies from the former Telecommunications Industry Dialogue, who also contributed a submission.
GNI looks forward to continuing to engage with SR David Kaye in his efforts to spotlight and engage governments and companies on how to address threats to free expression worldwide.
The GNI Submission can be found here, and the TID submission is here.