Is There a Universal Data Protection Law in Gestation?

Earlier this month, Privacy Commissioners from 40 countries – including Canada – met in Switzerland for the 27th International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners (ICDPPC). With a view to promoting and strengthening universal data protective principles, the Commissioners adopted a declaration in which they agreed to collaborate with governments and international organizations for the development of a universal convention for the protection of personal data. The various universal data protective principles the Commissioners agreed to promote are set out in the declaration. One of the principles specified was the awareness that the increase in knowledge in the field in genetics may make human DNA the most sensitive personal data of all. In its written declaration, the ICDPPC appealed to the United Nations to prepare a legal binding instrument identifying the rights of data protection and privacy as enforceable human rights. Appeals to international and supra-national organizations to make data protection and privacy commitments were also made. Also at the Conference, the Commissioners passed two resolutions, one on the use of personal data for political communications and one on the use of biometrics in passports, identity cards and travel documents. Progress on the Commissioners' objectives will be assessed at the next International Conference to be held in Argentina, in September 2006. To review a copy of the ICDPPC's two resolutions and declaration, see: http://makeashorterlink.com/?N20741FDB http://makeashorterlink.com/?O61725FDB http://makeashorterlink.com/?W23712FDB Summary by: Lenni Carreiro