08.08.14
Calls for a ‘digital bill of rights’ backed by Law Society
A ‘digital bill of rights’ is needed in each country, including the UK, campaigners say.
The Law Society has backed the idea, which is to be raised in a speech by its president Andrew Caplen before the American Bar Association tomorrow (Saturday).
Sir Tim Berners-Lee and Al Gore are among the high-profile backers of the idea, which is aimed at tackling mass surveillance of citizens by the world’s governments.
Advance copies of Caplen’s speech suggest he will say: “Legal privilege must be protected from any system of surveillance. Against the backdrop of mass surveillance, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, has called for a Digital Magna Carta. He has been joined in this call by many others... including Al Gore.
“Sir Tim envisages the development of a 'digital bill of rights' in each country. A statement of principles, providing an international standard for the values of the open web. The development of a global digital Magna Carta is an international effort that we consider should command the support of lawyers, their bar associations and law societies worldwide.”
The UK government's emergency legislation on data surveillance goes against a court judgment on human rights, the Law Society says.
Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]