21 Countries aligning to resist the NSA at the UN

[Savannahmann]

Germany and Brazil are leading the effort, with 19 more nations already supporting the movement at the UN. http://thecable.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2013/10/25/exclusive_21_nations_line_up_behind_un_effort_to_restrain_nsa

An effort in the United Nations by Brazil and Germany to hold back government surveillance is quickly picking up steam, as the uproar over American eavesdropping grows.

The German and Brazilian delegations to the U.N. have opened talks with diplomats from 19 more countries to draft a General Resolution promoting the right of privacy on the Internet. Close American allies like France and Mexico -- as well as rivals like Cuba and Venezuela -- are all part of the effort.

The push marks the first major international effort to curb the National Security Agency's vast surveillance network. Its momentum is building. And it comes as concerns are growing within the U.S. intelligence community that the NSA may be, in effect, freelancing foreign policy by eavesdropping on leaders like Germany's Angela Merkel.

And the link to the draft resolution. http://www.scribd.com/mobile/doc/179039226

It's time we put down the Bush Era programs and policies and once again became the world leader on civil rights.

[blkmusclmachine]

1. NSA:

[Buns_of_Fire]

2. As if the US is going to pay much attention to a UN Resolution. nt

[randome]

4. We are more likely to with a Democrat in the White House.

This is a good development. All countries spy on their neighbors and allies. The thing that propels this resolution is that the NSA is so good at it.

But change is always welcome.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]Stop looking for heroes. BE one.[/center][/font][hr]

[Katashi_itto]

5. Doesn't matter what the US "wants" withing 3-4 years the US will lose control of the

internet. Moreover alternative Internets are being discussed. The US screwed the pooch.

[Savannahmann]

7. A UN Resolution represents the opinions/values/will of the world

So it carries moral weight, and it carries potential economic/political weight. Some nations may choose not to conduct business with American Companies over our actions or the UN Resolution. In fact, this is already happening, and there is an EU Resolution that will almost certainly become a regulation requiring all companies that conduct business in the EU to adhere to EU standards of data privacy. If a company violates this, they could be subject to fines in the billions. So US Companies that hope to export goods and services to the EU will be faced with a serious problem in that scenario. Comply with the FISA court warrants, or refuse and be targeted for reprisals. Either way it becomes a lose/lose scenario for the company, who is likely to just walk away from the business in the EU. That means American Products and Services are not sold, and the money does not go to the American Workers who do the services/products.

Already, a small percentage of companies who do business are withdrawing their American activity. This has started with Computer and internet servers, and is likely to expand to many other areas. That is not much money yet, but it is increasing and that harms us.

In short, we should pay attention to the treaty, and if we don't, we will likely all suffer the reduction of our prestige and influence.

[Lordquinton]

3. I would advise Germany clean it's own house first

They are crazy with surveillance there.

[Quantess]

6. Too bad I couldn't read the article

with the magazine subscription request that I couldn't click away.