'The outbreak of Covid-19 is affecting our lives at an unprecedented pace. It is testing the resilience of our societies as we respond to this global crisis and try to contain its consequences, both in the short and in the long run'.
Wojciech Wiewiórowski, European Data Protection Supervisor
Covid-19 outbreak is also testing fundamental rights to data protection and privacy. EU Member States, EU institutions and Big Tech companies are trying to explore solutions to tackle the uncontrolled spread of the virus.
In the past weeks, contact tracing apps and data localisation have become a constant topic in the political agenda of the Union. Such technologies may have strong consequences on EU citizens’ lives and lead to growing inequalities.
The EDPS is cooperating with the EU institutions and the European Data Protection Board to ensure fundamental rights to be respected.
As a result, we established a Covid-19 task force to follow developments and to prepare for the future of data protection and privacy after Covid-19 crisis.
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the EDPS has decided to activate its Business Continuity Plan. All EDPS staff have been teleworking as of 13 March 2020.
Read more below
Blogpost: Data for the public good: Building a healthier digital future
EDPS Formal Comments on the proposed European Health Union package
Blogpost: Carrying the torch in times of darkness
Blogpost: The moment you realise the world has changed: re-thinking the EDPS Strategy
In our November newsletter, find out about our upcoming data protection conference in 2022; read up on our participation in the 43rd Global Privacy Assembly and other events relating to data protection; catch up on our latest Formal Comments and recent publications.
In our October newsletter, discover our new initiative, TechSonar, and rediscover our award-winning TechDispath reports! Read up on our latest Formal Comments, and our Guidelines for EU institutions' return to the workplace, and more!
EDPS Opinion on the European Comission’s draft internal rules on digital verification of Covid-19 certificates
EDPS Guidance on Return to the Workplace and EUIs’ screening of COVID immunity or infection status
The year 2020 was unique for the world and, by extension, for the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS). Like many other organisations, the EDPS had to adapt its working methods as an employer, but also its work since the COVID-19 health crisis strengthened the call for the protection of individuals' privacy.
This Annual Report provides an insight into all EDPS activities in 2020.
The Executive Summary of the EDPS Annual Report 2020 will be made available in all official languages of the EU in due course.
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