UN General Assembly OKs digital privacy resolution

The U.N. General Assembly has approved a resolution demanding better digital privacy protections for people around the world, another response to Edward Snowden's revelations about U.S. government spying.

Thursday's resolution, approved by consensus and drafted by Germany and Brazil, is nonbinding but reflects continuing alarm at the extent of surveillance revealed by the former U.S. National Security Agency contractor last year.

Sixty-five countries had co-sponsored this year's resolution, up by 10 from last year.

The latest resolution also emphasizes the role of the private sector in digital surveillance.

Germany's ambassador has called for the U.N. to create a special investigator post on the issue, warning that "without necessary checks, we risk turning into Orwellian states where every step by every citizen is monitored."