Verklaring Barrot over de Dag van de gegevensbescherming (en)
Data protection laws are in place throughout the European Union to ensure that personal data is handled under very clear conditions and to give EU citizens the right to challenge any mishandling of their data. But without awareness, effective protection is impossible. Legal rights and protection regimes are only effective if people know that they exist and know how to use them. Data Protection Day is an excellent opportunity to raise such awareness in Europe and worldwide.
The EU's 1995 Data Protection Directive lays down standards for a high level of protection of the personal data of all individuals, regardless of their nationality, place of residence, or age. The Directive has been implemented in all Member States, where specially established independent national data protection supervisory authorities ensure its application and enforcement. However, the Eurobarometer survey published last year on the occasion of Data Protection Day 2008 showed that a majority of respondents (82%) thought that the level of people's awareness about personal data protection in their country was low.
The Commission therefore undertook a study on the means used by these authorities in the promotion of data protection. As a contribution to Data Protection Day 2009 the study is published today. It gives a clear picture of what the supervisory national authorities in our 27 Member States are currently doing to promote awareness on data protection. It identifies good practices and suggests the need to reinforce European co-operation, especially among national data protection supervisory authorities themselves. This is a conclusion I fully share, and I encourage the national authorities to continue their efforts to inform people on their rights to protect their personal data. There is too much at stake!
To celebrate 2009 Data Protection Day, many events and activities have been organised throughout the European Union. Special emphasis is given this year to young people. In the 15 to 24 age group, only 33% were aware of their rights in relation to their own personal data. Only 18% knew of the existence of national data protection supervisory authorities. However, it is precisely this age group which increasingly uses new technologies to communicate, exchange information and socialize through the online social networking sites, such as Facebook. They are exposing their every day life online without being aware of the risks the online activities could entail now and in the future for their own privacy. It is therefore crucial that those young people are educated how to surf the internet in a privacy-friendly way.
But data protection does not stop at national borders. That is why on this day, 28January 2009, the United States of America and the European Union are celebrating Data Protection Day together for the second time, passing jointly the message that in the information age fundamental rights of all individuals on both sides of the Atlantic are to be protected.
To find out more about Vice President Barrot i's work please see his website
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/barrot/welcome/default_en.htm