European Council: A Plan for Protecting Fundamental Rights in the Digital Age

The European Council has defined a clear and ambitious vision to protect and enforce fundamental rights . In its recent approval of conclusions on digital empowerment , it aims to ensure that fundamental rights are respected both online and offline, recognizing that digitization permeates every aspect of our societies and personal lives. #DigitalRights

What is Digital Empowerment Digital empowerment refers to the process of acquiring the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to effectively use digital technology. This process aims to give people the ability and confidence to fully exploit the opportunities offered by digital technology and to participate actively and consciously in the digital world.

Digital empowerment includes various skills, such as: Digital literacy : The ability to understand and use digital devices, applications, and online services. Online security : Knowledge of how to protect personal information and awareness of online security risks. Online privacy : Understanding online privacy rights and methods to protect personal information. Media literacy : The ability to critically evaluate information and online content, recognizing misinformation and reliable sources. Digital participation : The ability to actively engage in digital life, including online communication, content creation, and the use of digital services. Digital empowerment is crucial in the digital age, where more and more aspects of daily life occur online. It helps people take advantage of digital opportunities, become informed citizens, and protect their online rights and security. It also promotes active participation and awareness of citizens in the digital world.

Digitalization and Fundamental Rights The importance of this goal is emphasized by Pilar Llop, Spanish Minister of Justice ad interim, who states that the digital world must be a place where fundamental rights are respected, and people can assert those rights. The text of the conclusions reaffirms that everyone should have the opportunity and necessary support to acquire basic digital skills to understand and exercise their rights. These skills are also essential to fully access public and private services, increasingly provided online.

Digital Empowerment and Online Security The Council's conclusions are based on two main pillars. The first concerns the digital empowerment of individuals and key sectors. Alarming data emerges from Eurostat, indicating that 46% of European citizens currently lack basic digital skills. Therefore, the Council calls on member states to promote media and digital literacy, ensure equal access to online public services, raise awareness of the importance of privacy protection, and allocate funds to support media and digital education, training, and skill development tailored to the needs of various groups of people.

Creating a Safe Digital Environment The second pillar concerns creating a safe digital environment in which fundamental rights are protected. Our digital environment is threatened by challenges such as online misinformation, online hate, and cyber violence. Artificial Intelligence (AI), if not managed with transparency and adequate quality controls, can pose a threat to the respect of fundamental rights.

The Council calls on member states to combat online hate by enhancing the capabilities of judicial and law enforcement authorities to investigate and prosecute online crimes. Furthermore, the Commission is urged to combat online misinformation and illegal content by monitoring and enforcing the rules of the recently adopted Digital Services Act and regularly evaluating the implementation of the Code of Practice on countering misinformation and the Code of Conduct against online hate.

Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles To ensure the achievement of digital transformation goals in line with EU values, the Council, the European Parliament, and the Commission have signed the European Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles for the Digital Decade. This declaration promotes an inclusive, fair, safe, and sustainable digital transformation that places people at the center. It emphasizes the importance of digital sovereignty, respect for fundamental rights, the rule of law, inclusion, accessibility, equality, and sustainability.

The Declaration should also guide policymakers in shaping their vision of digital transformation, placing people at the center, supporting solidarity and inclusion, promoting participation in the digital public space, and ensuring security and empowerment in the digital environment.

The European Council contributes to the international dimension by promoting references to universal human rights and committing to combating forced labor. The declaration also underscores the importance of ensuring the confidentiality of citizens' communications and protection against unauthorized tracking or interception. Read the article ( European Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles for the Digital Decade )

Conclusions and Next Steps The European Council is working diligently to ensure that the digital age is an environment where fundamental rights are protected and respected. The promotion of digital empowerment and the creation of a safe digital environment represent crucial steps toward this goal. The Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles emphasizes the importance of maintaining EU core values in digital transformation.

Glossary Digital empowerment : The process of acquiring skills and knowledge to effectively use digital technology. Digitalization : The process of integrating digital technology into various aspects of life and economic activity. Disinformation : The deliberate spread of false or misleading information, often online. Hate speech : Speech that incites hatred, discrimination, or violence against groups or individuals based on characteristics such as race, religion, or sexual orientation. Digital sovereignty : Autonomous control and management of a country's digital data and infrastructure. Basic fundamental rights : Inherent rights of every individual, such as freedom of expression, privacy, and non-discrimination. AI (Artificial Intelligence) : Artificial intelligence, i.e., computer systems that simulate human intelligence to perform specific tasks. Digital Services Act : A European law regulating digital services, aiming to ensure online security and accountability. Code of Practice on Disinformation : A code of conduct aimed at countering online misinformation. European Pillar of Social Rights : An EU plan that defines fundamental social rights to improve living and working conditions in Europe. Digital transition : The shift from traditional tools and technologies to digital ones. Unauthorized tracking : Monitoring an individual's online activities without their consent or in violation of privacy laws. Forced labor : Work performed against one's will, often in inhumane conditions. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the

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