The European Data Protection Supervisor

The position of European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) was created in 2001. The responsibility of the EDPS is to make sure that all EU institutions and bodies respect people’s right to privacy when processing their personal data.

When EU institutions or bodies process personal data about an identifiable person, they must respect that person’s right to privacy. The EDPS makes sure they do so, and advises them on all aspects of personal data processing.

‘Processing’ covers activities such as collecting information, recording and storing it, retrieving it for consultation, sending it or making it available to other people, and also blocking, erasing or destroying data.

There are strict privacy rules governing these activities. For example, EU institutions and bodies are not allowed to process personal data that reveals your racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs or trade-union membership. Nor may they process data on your health or sex life, unless the data is needed for health care purposes. Even then, the data must be processed by a health professional or other person who is sworn to professional secrecy.

The EDPS works with the Data Protection Officers in each EU institution or body to ensure that the date privacy rules are applied.

The articles are European Parliament; Advice of European Union; European Commission; Court of European Union; The court of public accountants is considered in reference Book from European Union (Donetsk: DONNUET, in 2010).

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