HRC61 - EU Statement - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy

United Nations Human Rights Council

61st Session

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy

11 March 2026

EU Statement

Mr/Madam (Vice-)President, 

The European Union thanks the Special Rapporteur for her report on international collection of personal data, building upon her proposal to the General Assembly in 2024.

Madam Special Rapporteur,

Your report highlights how the collection of personal data across borders risks creating loopholes in the protection of the right to privacy, especially when local or regional data protection legislation does not apply. We appreciate the sharing of ideas for solutions and measures to adopt, in order to prevent impunity with regard to violations resulting from the processing of personal data.

Data protection is enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.Legislation developed in the EU to uphold the right to privacy in this respect is robust and comprehensive, with the most prominent example being the General Data Protection Regulation. Its impact goes beyond the EU’s borders, with provisions for extraterritorial application in certain cases, aiming at protecting EU citizens’ right to privacy against violations no matter where they come from.

As the Special Rapporteur rightly pointed out – international data collection does not stop at borders, so our response must be international too. We need global standards that prioritise users’ right to privacy, yet facilitate data flows supporting innovation, trust and sustainable development. 

Madam Special Rapporteur, 

How can we ensure our data protection rules and regulations stay up to date with ever faster new developments in the digital environment?

Thank you.