UN Experts Criticize Zero-Risk Policies by IT Companies Under U.S. Sanctions

The impeding access to web resources of international organizations, including the UN, was deemed a violation of core principles in the UN Charter.

UN independent experts have voiced criticism against zero-risk policies adopted by IT companies under unilateral sanctions imposed by the U.S. government, stating that these measures restrict access to online products and services, leading to human rights breaches and violating the principle of non-discrimination.

According to the experts, the comprehensive nature of the restrictions applied to all individuals within the territories of sanctioned countries, along with their extraterritorial effects, have a devastating impact on the human rights of vulnerable populations, including victims of conflict-related sexual violence.

The restrictions encompass limitations on accessing software for online communications and web resources, as well as blocking access to web pages of international organizations from sanctioned countries' territories, including those of UN organs and agencies. This affects various rights such as freedom of expression, access to information, the right to development, and participation in cultural and scientific activities.

The experts urged the United States to adhere to its obligations under the UN Charter and international human rights treaties, expressing concerns about the growing scope of sanctions and tightened enforcement measures. They highlighted instances where victims of conflict-related sexual violence from Syria were unable to access platforms for reporting, potentially leading to underreporting and hindering efforts for accountability and remedies.

The impeding access to web resources of international organizations, including the UN, was deemed a violation of core principles in the UN Charter. The experts emphasized that such practices contravene the basic human rights principle of non-discrimination.

They also pointed out the significant civil penalties faced by IT companies for alleged violations of U.S. export controls and sanctions laws, coupled with technical challenges in implementing exceptions from sanction regimes. This leads to the suspension or termination of operations by IT companies in sanctioned states, causing over-compliance with sanctions regulations.