UN Report on encryption, anonymity, and the human rights framework

FYI (and thanks to Wendy for the pointer), the UN Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights has produced this report http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/RegularSessions/Session29/Documents/A.HRC.29.32_AEV.doc (yes it is a Word doc … sigh) on encryption, anonymity and human rights. The report effectively links the issue of encryption and privacy back to the fundamental human right of freedom of expression and the right to form and hold opinions (especially relating to articles 12 and 19 of the UN declaration of Human Rights).

Some salient quotes:

“Encryption and anonymity, and the security concepts behind them, provide the privacy and security necessary for the exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression in the digital age.”

“States should not restrict encryption and anonymity, which facilitate and often enable the rights to freedom of opinion and expression.”

“The use of encryption and anonymity tools and better digital literacy should be encouraged.”

“Companies, like States, should refrain from blocking or limiting the transmission of encrypted communications and permit anonymous communication.”

More details here: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/FreedomOpinion/Pages/CallForSubmission.aspx?

Dan