UN Human Rights Council Passes a Resolution on Freedom of Expression Online

July 15, 2016
News

On July 1, 2016, the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) passed the HRC32 Resolution, reaffirming the right to freedom of expression online and condemning any government action to block or disrupt internet access. The passage is a major win for civil society despite authoritarian regimes’ efforts to introduce amendments to the resolution which would have “weaken[ed] protections for freedom of expression online.”

The resolution comes at a time when state-sponsored internet shutdowns are up, with 20 reported in 2016 alone, according to digital rights group, Access Now>. David Kaye, UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression, recently presented his report about private companies’ roles in protecting freedom of expression online. Digital companies like Facebook are responding to restrictions by providing security guidance to the public. The guidelines highlight easy ways that private users and administrators of public pages can take measures to protect their privacy. The complete safety tips can be read here.