Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Privacy
Dr. Ana Brian Nougrères
Statement by the Ambassador Michèle Taylor
Human Rights Council – 52nd Session
Thank you, Mr. Vice President.
Thank you, Dr. Nougrères, for your remarks today.
The United States shares your concerns regarding the misuse of technologies to interfere with privacy arbitrarily and unlawfully.
As noted in the 2021 HRC resolution on privacy in the digital age, such activities often target journalists and human rights defenders, and disproportionately affect women and girls in all their diversity, persons with disabilities, older persons, and any persons or groups from vulnerable or marginalized populations.
The United States supports an international technology ecosystem that enables the free flow of data and ideas with trust; enhances economic opportunities; and protects and strengthens respect for human rights, including privacy.
We are taking steps to bar the operational use of commercial spyware that may pose risks of improper use by a foreign government and encourages others to consider taking similar initiatives. We are also increasing assistance to high-risk communities, organizations, and individuals that may be targeted with such tools.
Question: What actions can we take to increase transparency in the commercial spyware market, and reduce the arbitrary and unlawful interference of privacy often associated with its use?
I thank you.
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