On 28 January we marked the European Data Protection Day and we emphasised one more time on the importance of privacy and personal data protection in our everyday life and business activities.
LIBRe’s Team is keen on keeping you updated on the latest developments in the ICT Law arena. However, in case you would like to be more aware of the issues related to your rights and obligations in the online environment or you are interested in the latest legal requirements in the field, we have prepared for you the LIBRe selection of basic resources on EU level that will keep you updated on the ever changing field of information management, security, privacy and data protection, and other aspects of the digital society.
The European Data Protection Supervisor is the independent supervisory authority at EU level with responsibility for monitoring the processing of personal data by the EU institutions and bodies, advising on policies and legislation that affect privacy, and cooperating with similar authorities to ensure consistent data protection.
The EDPS’ website is a good starting point to learn on the EU Data Protection Reform; or to check interesting details in their Publications and Events Sections. Follow their Twitter page for current updates!
The concept of a Digital Single Market is “one in which the free movement of persons, services and capital is ensured and where the individuals and businesses can seamlessly access and exercise online activities under conditions of fair competition, and a high level of consumer and personal data protection, irrespective of their nationality or place of residence.” Within the Digital Single Market Strategy adopted in 2015 there are initiatives and legislative proposals which affect both citizens and businesses across Europe. The EC’s Digital Single Market webpage provides general information, and news on topics such as e-Health, e-Government, Cybersecurity and Digital Privacy, Online Trust, and other aspects of the digital economy and society. They are also active on Twitter.
Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers is the Commission’s department responsible for EU policy on justice, consumer and gender equality. You could find official statements, legislative documents, and educational materials on the Data Protection Section; or follow their Twitter account for latest news and/or upcoming events.
If you look for local support in dealing with the issues of privacy and data protection, you could turn to any of the national Data Protection Authorities. Useful sources of information are, e.g., the Commission Nationale de l’Informatique et des Libertés , France or the Information Commissioner’s Office, UK.
The association provides resources and training for professionals who want to develop and advance their careers by helping their organizations successfully manage and protect their data and associated privacy risks. IAPP is considered the world’s largest and most comprehensive global information privacy community. We would recommend you to check their Europe Data Protection Digest and follow the organisation on social media. Why not also joining IAPP?
Universities and research institutes also offer in-depth information through their blogs. Get familiar with:
The Centre for IT & IP Law is a research center at the Faculty of Law of the University of Leuven (KU Leuven) specializing in legal and ethical aspects of IT innovation and intellectual property. The CiTiP Blog is a collection of short texts on a wide variety of ICT & IP law related topics clustered into: Data Protection and Privacy, Intellectual Property and Open Data, Media and Telecommunications, Security and Crime, and Competition and Innovation.
The Media Policy Project Blog is based in the Department of Media and Communications at the London School of Economics and Political Science. The blog provides tools for anyone looking to stay up-to-date on media policy issues, though our briefings, event calendars, dossiers, and lists of on-going consultations.
The blog of the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society is a scientific platform for debates on the Internet and society, in which the researchers of the institute discuss their insights and observations on the challenges of the digitisation process. The blog focuses on the interdisciplinary and original exchange of information on the various questions surrounding the Internet and society from a technological, legal, sociological and economic perspective.
The European Law aims to highlight, and comment on, current developments in EU case law and legislation. If you wish to stay informed on the EU law you could turn to the blog’s short comments on judgments and legislation.
Another source of expert insights into the EU law developments is the EU Law Analysis blog. Due to the blog’s interface, we would recommend using the “Search” option to publications on specific topics that interest you or scroll through the most popular and latest posts.
While grown-up information is of importance to all of us as adults and professionals, we often struggle to present these issues to our youngest. Our Romanian partner - Association for Technology and Internet (ApTI), has developed a series of short animated educational videos on privacy and data protection.
LIBRe Foundation, in cooperation with the Bulgarian Commission for Personal Data Protection, adapted the videos for the Bulgarian environment and language.
We encourage you to continue both ApTI’s and our efforts in raising awareness and improving the knowledge on privacy and data protection among people and business at all levels since we consider this crucial for our society and economy.
Find more information on LIBRe Foundation’s work in the field at Privacy and Data Protection