Civil Liberties Union, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, the Legal
Resources Centre, Liberty and Privacy International.
79.
Each of the Applicants is concerned that its communications (and
communications data), as well as those of its partners, supporters and
victims of human rights violations, could be obtained by the UK either
through its bulk interception programme or via intelligence sharing with
the US. The Applicants defend and promote respect for fundamental
human rights, including the rights to privacy and freedom of expression,
through research, litigation, advocacy and public education. This work
may include campaigning and holding governments to account. It may also
include commenting on the foreign affairs of other countries, such as the
national security policy of the US or UK.
80.
As part of their work, the Applicants also communicate on a regular basis,
in private, with a wide range of individuals and organisations, both
nationally and internationally. The persons with whom they communicate
include other non-governmental organisations, human rights defenders,
journalists, lawyers, prisoners, political activists, victims of human rights
abuses, politicians, government officials and whistle-blowers.
81.
The Applicants and their staff members communicate using a variety of
methods, including email, text messages, phone calls, video calls, social
media and instant messaging. The information contained in their
communications – as well as the dates, times and identities of the
sender/recipient of each communication – frequently include material that
is confidential and, in some cases, legally privileged. The integrity of the
Applicants’ communications and the protection of their sources are of
paramount importance in order for them to effectively fulfil their role to
seek, receive and impart information related to human rights.
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