Problems with the UK and US surveillance programs are representative of a broader, global issue. Given how intrusive digital surveillance can be, all governments should review their practices and update laws to ensure protection of all users’ data, regardless of their citizenship or location, Human Rights Watch said.

The US and UK’s actions also call attention to the ways governments are increasingly pressing Internet and telecommunications companies to help monitor online activity. Internet users trust companies to store and transmit the most intimate details of their daily lives. These companies have a responsibility to safeguard user privacy and avoid contributing to governments’ misuse of surveillance powers.   Digital Human Rights