Who buys and controls the CCTV? Back to contents 64 Right to freedom of expression Freedom of expression and privacy are mutually reinforcing rights. Privacy is a prerequisite to the meaningful exercise of freedom of expression, particularly given its role in preventing state and corporate surveillance that stifles free expression. Freedom of expression is fundamental to political dissent, diverse cultural expression, creativity, and innovation, as well as the development of one’s personality through self-expression. The right to freedom of expression is protected by Article 19 of the UDHR and given legal force through Article 19 of the ICCPR, as well as in regional human rights treaties. Under international human rights standards, restrictions on the right to freedom of expression are permitted only if they meet the three-part test of legality, necessity, and proportionality; all restrictions must be strictly and narrowly tailored and may not put the right itself in jeopardy.125 The installation of CCTV cameras as discussed in this report interferes with the freedom of expression in multiple ways. The politics of where these systems will be installed, and their intended use, introduce a new layer of political and social intimidation – neighbourhoods that are being ‘watched’ more closely will bear the brunt of the vicious cycle of over-policing. Mass surveillance has a chilling effect on freedom of expression.126 Studies show that the awareness of being watched and tracked might lead people not to join public assemblies, participate in social and cultural life, or freely express their thoughts, conscience, and religious beliefs in public spaces.127 It also directly compels people to alter their behaviours – particularly in their political life – out of fear of being arrested, harassed, and otherwise singled out by repressive regimes. The intention of ubiquity and tracking implicit in Myanmar’s current CCTV procurement discussed