Surveillance and Society

"Privacy today faces growing threats from a growing surveillance apparatus that is often justified in the name of national security. Numerous government agencies—including the National Security Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, and state and local law enforcement agencies—intrude upon the private communications of innocent citizens, amass vast databases of who we call and when, and catalog “suspicious activities” based on the vaguest standards."

"In June 2013, whistle-blower Edward Snowden revealed the existence of mass communications surveillance programs conducted by the United States. These mass surveillance operations are undertaken indiscriminately, without clear rules subject to public scrutiny and with very limited - if any - oversight and safeguards against abuse. Mass surveillance programs are a violation of the human rights of people across the globe. They violate privacy on a massive scale and have a chilling effect on freedom of expression."

CPDP2016 will stage more than 60 panels and workshops with a stimulating mix of academics, practitioners, regulators and advocates, as well as multiple side events such as open debates, PechaKucha performances and artistic interventions.

"The Electronic Frontier Foundation is the leading nonprofit organization defending civil liberties in the digital world. Founded in 1990, EFF champions user privacy, free expression, and innovation through impact litigation, policy analysis, grassroots activism, and technology development. We work to ensure that rights and freedoms are enhanced and protected as our use of technology grows."

"EPIC is a public interest research center in Washington, DC. EPIC was established in 1994 to focus public attention on emerging privacy and civil liberties issues and to protect privacy, freedom of expression, and democratic values in the information age."

"Through it's global advocacy, Privacy International is building a global network of advocates to fight for privacy, uncovering surveillance practices around the world, and advocating for strong privacy protections on the domestic and regional level."