Poets who are members of the pressure group English PEN are being urged to sign an international appeal already backed by 500 writers around the world protesting at mass digital surveillance by the state.

The appeal says: “In recent months, the extent of mass surveillance has become common knowledge. With a few clicks of the mouse the state can access your mobile device, your email, your social networking and internet searches. It can follow your political leanings and activities and, in partnership with internet corporations, it collects and stores your data, and thus can predict your consumption and behaviour.

“In their thoughts and in their personal environments and communications, all humans have the right to remain unobserved and unmolested. This fundamental human right has been rendered null and void through abuse of technological developments by states and corporations for mass surveillance purposes.”

The appeal calls on the UN to protect citizens by preparing an international bill of digital rights. More details