Unifying Principles
As UPA is an alliance of several different organisations who share similar but not identical goals, these Unifying Principles ensure common ground for what each organisation has committed to by being a member of the UPA. The UPA Principles aim to realign our technological infrastructures with the fundamental tenets of human rights, digital integrity and privacy.
1.
Privacy is Fundamental.
Privacy is a fundamental human right recognized in the UN Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and in many other international and regional treaties. The right to privacy in the digital world, and access to privacy preserving technologies, has become one of the most important human rights issues of the modern age.
2.
Privacy Tools are Normal.
Privacy preserving technologies should be broadly available, usable and accessible for our digital communications and transactions. In the physical world, people generally assume they can interact without having their behaviour persistently monitored and exploited for commercial, political or malicious purposes. The same should be the case in the digital world.
3.
Privacy by Design is Essential.
Privacy by design is essential to guarantee the fundamental right of privacy in the digital world. We advocate for the design and release of technology that protects user privacy and security by default at all levels of the technology stack. Builders of technology are key actors in securing the fundamental right to privacy. They should not be discouraged from designing and building systems with strong user privacy.
How the Unifying Principles are Being Used
Legal Fund
Members will endeavour to create a legal fund that supports the right to build and use privacy enhancing technologies.
Advocacy and Education
Members will conduct activities that support research, advocacy, and education on issues related to the right to build and use privacy enhancing technologies.
Public statements
Members will make joint public statements regarding policy and legal developments related to contemporary events that affect individual privacy and privacy enhancing technologies.
Engagement
Members will contribute to the understanding of matters related to privacy through engagement, educational content and events.
Expertise
Members will endeavour to assemble an advisory board of the leading practitioners, scholars and technologists in the field of privacy.
Operating Principles
1.
Members will agree on an operating budget and failure to contribute will constitute a resignation from the alliance.
2.
Members will work together to build effective operations and to ensure the integrity and financial stability of the alliance.
3.
Members will act lawfully and in measured ways. Members will not seek to incite or promote unlawful acts.