The statement was released in commemoration of Human Rights Day 2023
In commemoration of Human Rights Day 2023 and the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Privacy Commissioner Philippe Dufresne has joined global counterparts in issuing a joint statement on privacy and democratic rights.
The statement, signed by Commissioner Dufresne and Dr. Ana Brian Nougrères, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Privacy, emphasized the critical role of privacy as a fundamental human right and its intersection with democratic processes.
The joint statement underscored privacy as an internationally recognized fundamental right for safeguarding other freedoms and as a cornerstone for democracy. The right to privacy underpinned individuals' personal flourishing and development as citizens and their exercise of social and political freedoms and participation. Commissioner Dufresne also said that privacy rights and data protection could be viewed as distinct yet overlapping rights, mutually supporting equality and democratic values.
The year 2023 marked the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including privacy as a fundamental right. The joint statement's purpose was to provide context about the right to privacy, draw links with other rights and freedoms, highlight findings from research into privacy as it relates to the democratic process or constitutional principles and commitments and set out specific expectations for the responsible and ethical management of personal data in these contexts.
On International Human Rights Day 2023, the Global Privacy Assembly's Data Protection and Other Rights and Freedoms Working Group presented specific expectations for governments, legislators, political parties, digital platforms, data brokers, and regulators. These expectations include the recognition of privacy as a fundamental right, clear rules for the political use of personal information, strong privacy standards, meaningful consent from digital platforms, and proactive enforcement by regulators.
The joint statement concluded that effective data protection and meaningful privacy rights support democratic ideals, processes, participation, and debate. It emphasized the role of privacy in preserving open democracy, fair elections, and the strength of democratic institutions.
