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Confidentiality of communications and privacy of data in the digital age

September 2018 Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland
#Human Rights #Privacy #Surveillance

The Event

Privacy International and the International Network of Civil Liberties Organizations, with the support of the governments of Austria, Brazil, Liechtenstein, Mexico and Germany, invite you to a side event to discuss recent trends on the right to privacy in the digital age.

Recent examples of misuse of user data by social media and internet platforms have put in sharp light the need to protect individuals’ data from abuses by public and private actors. The current lack of transparency into how different actors are using people’s data needs addressing. There is an entire hidden ecosystem of companies harvesting and sharing personal data. From credit scoring and insurance quotations to targeted political communication, this data is being used for far-reaching purposes. As companies continue to exploit individuals’ data, so do governments, which increasingly rely on the wealth of data collected and on new technologies to profile individuals and predict their behaviours on and off line.

Panelists will present recent developments at national and international level as they relate to the protection of the confidentiality of communications and of personal data. It will be an opportunity to discuss the content of the UN High Commissioner report on the right to privacy in the digital age and identify ways forward for the UN and other stakeholders in this fast-evolving topic. During the side event, Privacy International will also present its recent guide on data protection.

Opening remarks: Permanent Mission of Brazil to the United Nations and Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations

Panelists: Nathalie Prouvez, Chief, Rule of Law and Democracy Section, OHCHR

  • Ailidh Callander, Privacy International
  • Martin Ray Taban Mavenjina, Kenya Human Rights Commission
  • Leandro Ucciferri, AsociaciĂłn por los Derechos Civiles
  • Elonnai Hickok, Centre for Internet and Society

Moderator: Elizabeth Farries, International Network of Civil Liberties Organizations