HRC55 - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy - EU Statement

United Nations Human Rights Council

55th session

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy

12 March

EU Statement

Mr. President, 

The EU thanks the Special Rapporteur for her report and providing us with an in-depth comparison of digital data protection policies around the world.

The collection of personal data through websites and digital services does not stop at borders, and neither does the right to privacy. It is thus not surprising that 90% of EU citizens say they want the same data protection rights, regardless of where their data is being processed.

The EU prides itself in having the toughest privacy regulation in the world, with obligations for any service that collects data related to inhabitants of EU Member States. The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation ensures the right to be informed about the use of one’s data, the right to object, the right to be forgotten, and much more. It is thus an important step in strengthening individuals' fundamental rights in the digital age, but also in giving companies and public actors clear guidelines, and ensuring the free flow of information.

Madame Special Rapporteur,

In the borderless digital world, how can we enhance cooperation to better ensure universal protection of the right to privacy?

Thank you.