Access, Partners Recognize Heroes, Villains on Human Rights and Communications Surveillance
Transparency
Summary: States should be transparent about the use and scope of Communications Surveillance laws, regulations, activities, powers, or authorities.
Hero: Doctor Christopher Parsons
Doctor Parsons has actively pushed Canada’s leading Telecommunications Services Providers to disclose how, why, and how often they provide subscriber information to state agencies. Based on their responses, Dr. Parsons offered comprehensive recommendations on how companies could improve public transparency.
Villain: Secretary Jeremy Heywood
Under the authority of UK Prime Minister David Cameron, Mr. Heywood ordered the Guardian to destroy documents regarding surveillance activities of the NSA and GCHQ. The hard drives were “pulverized” in the basement of the newspaper’s London offices. Notably, the Guardian has stated that all documents related to its reporting on these matters are stored in other offices.
It remains amazing – and an absolute honour – to be listed as a hero alongside Edward Snowden, Navi Pillay (former UN High Commissioner), Sen. Ron Wyden, Dilma Rousseff, amongst a host of others.
Also: I guess I have something to talk about next time I run into a member of the British Cabinet?
Excited Pixels 