International Initiative Challenges Growth Of Surveillance Society

Story link: International Initiative Challenges Growth Of Surveillance Society by Brian Turner

A group of international data and privacy protection commissioners is challenging the development of the surveillance society. The commissioners, from the UK, France, Germany and New Zealand are coming together to adopt common policies.

A joint set of objectives to tackle concerns about the increasing surveillance of citizens was adopted by the commissioners at the annual Conference of Data Protection and Information Commissioners, held in London last week.

The communiqué adopted by the commissioners states: “The protection of citizens’ personal data is vital for any society, on the same level as freedom of the press or freedom of movement. As our societies are increasingly dependent on the use of information technologies, and personal data is collected or generated at a growing scale, it has become more essential than ever that individual liberties and other legitimate interests of citizens are adequately respected.”

The document calls for data and privacy commissioners to support the establishment of an international convention on data protection. This was first agreed on by commissioners in 2005. The document suggests that DPAs should promote this initiative in their respective spheres of influence. International co-operation is a vital element in addressing the issue because foreign precedents are often used by a government to justify actions that erode citizens’ rights.

The conference was hosted by the UK and the adoption of a set of common aims was welcomed by UK Information Commissioner Richard Thomas.