“Everyone has the right to the protection of personal data concerning him or her”
Article 8 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
“The protection of personal data is of fundamental importance to a person’s enjoyment of his or her right to respect for private and family life […]
European Court of Human Rights, case S. and Marper v. the United Kingdom, § 103
On 28 January 2011, the European Commission, the Council of Europe and its Member States will celebrate Data Protection Day for the fifth time.
Data protection issues, including their cross-border dimension, are for ever present in individuals lives – at work, in their relations with public authorities, in the health field, when they buy goods or services, when they travel or surf the Internet.
Nevertheless, many individuals are unfamiliar with data protection issues and unaware of their rights in this respect. Moreover, data protection does not usually feature in the curricula of schools and universities.
On the occasion of Data Protection Day 2011, events will be organised not only in Europe, but all over the world to raise awareness on data protection and inform individuals of their rights and good practices, thereby enabling them to exercise these rights more effectively. It presents an opportunity for individuals to become more aware of personal data protection and what their rights and responsibilities are in that regard.
Mr Thorbjørn Jagland, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, and Ms Viviane Reding, Vice-President of the European Commission, have decided to seize this opportunity to organise a high-level joint event to allow to both institutions joint forces and to promote the fundamental right to data protection.
The event will mark the 30th anniversary of the Council of Europe Convention for the protection of individuals with regard to automatic processing of personal data, known as “Convention 108”, which was opened for signature on 28 January 1981. This Convention is a cornerstone of privacy and personal data protection in Europe. It has been ratified by 43 member states of the Council of Europe and is open for signature by any country in the world. The process of modernisation of Convention 108 has just been launched. The event on 28 January 2011 will mark the beginning of a public consultation organised in this context. The European Union’s 1995 Directive has developed the Convention’s principles further with a view to creating a common legal regime for its member states. The European Commission published in November 2010 a Communication “A Comprehensive approach on personal data protection in the European Union” and will make legislative proposals later next year.
Effective data protection is at the heart of European Union and Council of Europe action. Ensuring effective data protection is a precondition for the free flow of information. It will help the Internet economy to flourish, transforming traditional business models and will contribute to the modernisation of countries and their economic and social well-being. Internationally agreed minimum standards must find the right balance between security and privacy, ensure the necessary protection of individuals’ personal data and support the free flow of information which is essential in today’s globalised world.
Worldwide recognition of the fundamental right to the protection of personal data becomes crucial for the development and sustainability of any democratic society and serves as an additional guarantee for the effective exercise of other fundamental rights and freedoms.
The European Commission and the Council of Europe look forward to celebrating with you the 30th anniversary of Convention 108 and exploring the European Commission’s recent proposals on the review of the 1995 Directive set out in the Communication on “A Comprehensive approach on personal data protection in the European Union” of 4 November 2010. With legislative proposals to follow later next year and the revision of Convention 108, 2011 might see a transformation in the data protection landscape within the EU and beyond.
Registration deadline : 24 January 2011 at 12:00