IGF 2015

Encryption and anonymity are two key aspects of the right to privacy and free expression online. From real-name registration in Iran to the UK Prime Minister's calls for Internet backdoors to encrypted communications, however, the protection of encrypted and anonymous speech is increasingly under threat. Recognising these challenges, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, David Kaye, presented a report to the Human Rights Council in June 2015 which highlighted the need for greater protection of encryption and anonymity.

Five months on from the Special Rapporteur’s report, the participants in this roundtable will discuss his recommendations and the latest challenges to the protection of anonymity and encryption. For example, how can law enforcement demands be met while ensuring that individuals still enjoy strong encryption and unfettered access to anonymity tools? What steps should governments, civil society, individuals and the private sector take to avoid the legal and technological fragmentation of a tool now vital to expression and communication? How can individuals protect themselves from mass surveillance in the digital age?

At the end of the session, the participants should have identified areas for future advocacy both at the international and domestic levels as well as areas for further research for the protection of anonymity and encryption on the Internet.

In-person moderator: Gabrielle Guillemin, ARTICLE 19
Name of Remote Moderator: Ana Melissa Zarraga, ARTICLE 19
Name of Rapporteur: Niels ten Oever, ARTICLE 19

Speakers:
David Kaye, intergovernmental organisation, UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression - confirmed 
Juan Diego Castañeda, civil society, Fundación Karisma, Colombia - confirmed 
Edison Lanza, intergovernmental organisation, Organisation of American States Special Rapporteur - confirmed 
Pranesh Prakash, civil society, CIS India - confirmed 
Ted Hardie, private sector, Google - confirmed
Elvana Thaci, intergovernmental organisation, Council of Europe - confirmed 
Professor Chris Marsden, Academic/technical community, Oxford Internet Institute - confirmed 
Alexandrine Pirlot de Corbion, civil society, Privacy International - confirmed