In Egypt, the internet, social media and online engagement have provided a critical platform in recent years for Egyptians to express their frustration and demand change after years of social, economic and political repression. The use of social media during protests, and the government’s recent attempts to crack down on the use of services like Twitter and Facebook, have been widely reported.
So it was with shock and disappointment that Privacy International looked on earlier this month as the UN Human Rights
A Missed Opportunity for the Human Rights Council
Given the welcome developments at the UN when it comes to the right to privacy, we believe that the Human Rights Council and its members missed a chance to take the review of Egypt as an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to promotion and protection of the right to privacy and take a strong stand on the on-going human rights violations in Egypt.
We hope that when another opportunity arises, the Human Rights Council will seize the occasion to challenge States on their respect for and protection of the right to privacy.