PTMUN V

UNHRC
Table of Contents:

 Introduction of the Committee

 Introduction of the Topic
 History and Background
 Key Terms and Glossary
 General Causes
 Case Studies
 Major Stakeholders to the Agenda
 Possible Solutions
 Past UN Actions
 Questions a Resolution must Answer

Introduction to committee:
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is the intergovernmental body within the United
Nations dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights globally. Established in 2006 to
succeed the UN Commission on Human Rights, the UNHRC was created to enhance the effectiveness
and impartiality of the UN’s human rights agenda. Headquartered in Geneva, the Council comprises
47 member states elected by the General Assembly, ensuring balanced representation across
geographic regions. Members serve staggered three-year terms with a limit of two consecutive terms
to maintain diversity and fresh perspectives within the Council. The UNHRC convenes regular
sessions to address critical human rights concerns and to deliberate on thematic issues affecting
fundamental rights worldwide. In addition to its sessions, the Council has the authority to establish
fact-finding missions and commissions of inquiry to investigate and respond to serious human rights
violations. Furthermore, the UNHRC appoints Special Rapporteurs, Independent Experts, and
working groups on various human rights issues. These experts provide informed analysis, monitor
situations of concern, and offer recommendations, playing an essential role in elevating human rights
issues on the international stage and encouraging meaningful reform.

 Introduction of the Agenda:

The violation of personal privacy has become a pressing issue in the modern world, where
advancements in technology and the rise of digital platforms have made it easier to collect,
store, and misuse personal information. From unauthorized data breaches and surveillance
to the misuse of personal details by corporations and governments, individuals face growing
threats to their privacy. This infringement not only undermines personal freedom but also
raises ethical and legal concerns about consent, security, and trust. Addressing privacy
violations is essential to protect individual rights and maintain a balance between innovation
and ethical responsibility in today's interconnected world.

 History and Background:

The concept of personal privacy has evolved over centuries, gaining prominence as societies
shifted from communal living to more individualistic lifestyles. Early concerns about privacy
focused on physical spaces, such as the sanctity of homes, but the rise of industrialization
and urbanization introduced new challenges, including the protection of personal
correspondence. The digital age, beginning in the late 20th century, marked a turning point,
with the advent of the internet and electronic data storage making personal information
more vulnerable. High-profile incidents like the Cambridge Analytica scandal and Edward
Snowden's revelations about government surveillance highlighted the widespread breach of
privacy rights. These events underscored the need for stronger laws and global discussions
on data protection, consent, and the ethical use of technology.

 Key terms and glossary:

1. Privacy
The state of being free from unwanted observation or interference in personal
matters.

2. Surveillance
The act of monitoring individuals' activities, often through physical tools like security
cameras or tracking devices.

3. Intrusion
Unauthorized physical entry into someone's private space, such as a home or
personal belongings.

4. Confidentiality
Ensuring that personal information remains private and is not disclosed without
permission.

5. Trespassing
The act of entering someone’s property without their consent, often seen as a
violation of personal space.

6. Identity Theft
The act of stealing someone’s personal information physically, such as through stolen
documents or ID cards, to impersonate them.

7. Harassment
 Unwanted physical attention or actions that invade a person’s privacy and cause
distress.

8. Data Privacy
The practice of safeguarding personal information shared online from unauthorized
access or misuse.

9. Cyber Surveillance
Monitoring of online activities, such as browsing habits or messages, by
governments, organizations, or hackers.

10. Data Breach

Unauthorized access to online databases, resulting in exposure to sensitive personal
information.

 General Causes for the Violation of Personal Privacy:

I. Expansion of Surveillance Technologies

The rapid development of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI),
biometric data collection, and facial recognition systems, has led to widespread
surveillance capabilities. Governments often implement these tools to ensure
national security, detect threats, and maintain public safety. However, such
surveillance frequently results in overreach, where individuals’ personal information
is collected, analyzed, and stored without consent or knowledge.
II. Lack of Comprehensive Legal Frameworks
In many regions, privacy laws have not kept pace with the growth of digital
technologies. The absence of clear regulations on data collection, processing, and
storage allows for loopholes that enable the misuse of personal information.
Furthermore, in situations where privacy laws exist, exemptions for national security
purposes often undermine their effectiveness, leaving individuals vulnerable to
violations.
III. Increased Reliance on Data-Driven Practices
Governments and private organizations increasingly rely on massive datasets to make
decisions, predict behaviors, and identify security threats. Practices such as
predictive policing, which uses algorithms to anticipate criminal activity, require large
amounts of personal data, often obtained without the consent of the individuals
involved. Such reliance on data raises concerns about transparency, fairness, and
privacy.
IV. Commercial Exploitation of Data
Private corporations play a significant role in personal privacy violations by collecting
and monetizing user data. Data breaches, unauthorized data sharing, and inadequate
 cybersecurity measures often result in sensitive information being exposed or sold to
third parties. This commercialization of data exacerbates privacy concerns, as private
entities often collaborate with governments in the name of national security.
V. Geopolitical Tensions and Counterterrorism
In response to increasing geopolitical conflicts, cyberattacks, and terrorism, states
have adopted aggressive surveillance measures. While these efforts aim to protect
citizens, they often lead to the collection of personal information on a mass scale,
even from individuals who are not under suspicion. This indiscriminate approach
undermines personal privacy and creates an environment of constant surveillance.
VI. The Unique Privacy Needs of Minors
Minors are at a developmental stage where they may lack the capacity to fully
understand the implications of sharing personal information, especially online. They
are often more susceptible to exploitation, as they might not be aware of how their
data could be used, stored, or shared. For example, minors may unwittingly provide
biometric data (e.g., fingerprints or facial recognition) or behavioral data (e.g.,
browsing habits) through school surveillance systems or social media platforms. This
lack of awareness places them at greater risk of privacy invasion compared to adults.
VII. Inability to Enforce Age Verification:
Many digital systems, including AI-driven surveillance tools, lack the capability to
reliably verify the age of users. While age-verification technologies exist, they are not
widely implemented, leaving minors exposed to privacy violations. For example,
online platforms often rely on self-reported ages, which are easy to falsify, popular
games like Roblox, which are now expanding into more mature 17+ audience based
games, are exposing children to online grooming, and violence, and more mature
themes.

 Possible Solutions:
I. Mandatory Age-Detection Systems:
AI surveillance tools should incorporate age-detection algorithms to identify minors
and limit the scope of data collection for this group. For instance, anonymizing data
related to individuals under a certain age could provide an additional layer of
protection.
II. Stronger Legal Frameworks for Minors:
International laws must be updated to explicitly address the privacy needs of minors
in the context of AI surveillance. These laws should mandate stricter consent
requirements, including verified parental or guardian approval, and impose penalties
for non-compliance.

III. Strengthening International Privacy Standards

The UNHRC could advocate for a global framework that establishes universal privacy
rights and regulates the use of surveillance technologies. Such a framework could
 ensure that governments balance national security objectives with individuals’ rights
to privacy. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU serves as a
strong example of comprehensive privacy legislation that could inspire international
standards.
IV. Promoting Transparency and Accountability
Governments and organizations must adopt transparent practices regarding data
collection, use, and storage. Independent oversight mechanisms, such as privacy
watchdogs or data protection authorities, should be established to monitor
compliance with privacy laws and hold violators accountable.
V. Implementing Data Minimization Practices
To reduce privacy violations, data collection should be limited to what is strictly
necessary for achieving specific goals. Governments and organizations should
prioritize anonymizing data and restricting access to sensitive information. AI-driven
technologies, such as differential privacy and federated learning, can help achieve
security goals without compromising individual privacy.
VI. Educating the Public on Privacy Rights
Raising awareness about privacy rights is crucial to empowering individuals to
protect their personal information. Educational campaigns and easy-to-understand
privacy policies can help people make informed decisions about sharing their data.
VII. Regulating AI and Surveillance Technology
The ethical use of AI and surveillance technology must be enforced through
regulatory frameworks. This includes requiring AI systems to be transparent,
ensuring that algorithms are free from bias, and mandating audits of AI tools used for
surveillance purposes. Collaborative international agreements can help prevent
misuse and promote ethical practices.

 Case Studies
A. China’s Mass Surveillance System
China has developed one of the most extensive surveillance networks in the world,
employing AI-driven facial recognition, biometric data collection, and social credit systems.
These tools are used to monitor individuals’ behaviors and movements, particularly in
regions like Xinjiang, where surveillance has been linked to the suppression of ethnic
minorities. The lack of privacy protections in such systems demonstrates the potential for
abuse when surveillance technologies operate without oversight.
B. Edward Snowden and the NSA Revelations
In 2013, Edward Snowden, a former contractor for the United States National Security Agency (NSA),
disclosed classified information that exposed the extensive surveillance programs operated by the
U.S. government. These programs, which included PRISM, XKeyscore, and MUSCULAR, revealed the
vast scale of data collection on both U.S. citizens and foreign nationals. The revelations sparked
global outrage and raised significant questions about the balance between national security and
personal privacy.
Snowden's leaks showed how intelligence agencies like the NSA collaborated with major
technology companies to collect and analyze user data, including phone calls, emails, and
internet activity. While these measures were justified by governments as necessary to
prevent terrorism and safeguard national security, they also highlighted the intrusive nature
of modern surveillance systems. For many, the extent of the NSA's actions represented a
clear violation of privacy rights, both domestically and internationally.

The case of Edward Snowden underscores the challenges of balancing national security with personal
privacy. It highlights the risks of overreach in surveillance practices and the potential for violations of
human rights. For the UNHRC, this case study emphasizes the need for global frameworks to regulate
surveillance activities, ensuring they are conducted with transparency, accountability, and respect for
privacy rights.

C. India’s Aadhaar Biometric System

India’s Aadhaar biometric system is the world’s largest digital identification initiative,
designed to streamline access to government services and improve welfare delivery.
Launched in 2009, Aadhaar assigns a unique 12-digit identification number to every Indian
citizen, linked to their biometric and demographic data. The program was hailed as a
groundbreaking effort to bring transparency, reduce fraud, and promote inclusion. However,
its scale and scope have raised significant concerns about personal privacy, data security,
and human rights.
One of the most significant criticisms of Aadhaar is its susceptibility to data breaches.
Multiple instances have been reported where sensitive Aadhaar information was leaked or
sold online. For example, in 2018, a report revealed that access to Aadhaar data was
available for as little as ₹500 (approximately $7), raising questions about the system's
security infrastructure. Breaches of this nature not only compromise personal data but also
leave citizens vulnerable to identity theft and fraud.
The centralized nature of Aadhaar's database has sparked fears of mass surveillance. Critics
argue that the system could be used by the government to monitor individuals' activities,
creating a potential for misuse and abuse of power. The integration of Aadhaar with various
services, including banking and telecommunications, has further heightened concerns about
tracking and profiling.

D. USA’s Infamous Game on Content Moderation Challenges and Privacy Concerns on

Virtual Platforms
Roblox allows users to create and participate in games and experiences generated by the
community. While this user-driven model fosters creativity, it also creates vulnerabilities.
Some individuals exploit the platform’s tools to create inappropriate spaces that breach the
platform’s guidelines. These areas are particularly concerning given the platform’s primary
demographic—children under the age of 13.
Such inappropriate spaces are not easily discoverable and often require intentional
searching, but their existence highlights a systemic issue in moderating vast virtual
environments. This misuse also brings into focus the broader implications for personal
privacy, as user-generated environments often lack oversight, leading to potential breaches
of trust and data security for young users.
The situation on platforms like Roblox extends beyond content moderation—it is a human
rights issue. The fundamental right to personal privacy is jeopardized when platforms fail to
effectively safeguard young users. This challenge is particularly relevant to the United
Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The Roblox example highlights how the failure to
adequately address privacy concerns can result in broader ethical and human rights
challenges.