EU Commission presents declaration on digital rights and principles

European rights and values should be respected online just as much as offline. For this reason, on January 26, 2022, the European Commission proposed to the European Parliament and the Council to sign a declaration on rights and principles that can serve both as a guideline for the digital transformation in the EU and as a guide for political decision-makers and companies in dealing with new technologies.

Specifically, the draft declaration addresses key rights and principles for the digital transformation. These include, for example, emphasizing the position of people and safeguarding their rights, supporting solidarity and inclusion, guaranteeing freedom of choice online, promoting participation in the digital public sphere, improving the security, protection and empowerment of individuals and promoting the sustainability of the digital future.

As a result, all people in the EU should have basic entitlements and access to the following in their everyday lives: affordable and fast digital connectivity everywhere, well-equipped classrooms and digitally competent teachers, seamless access to public services, the creation of a safe digital environment for children, the possibility of being unavailable outside working hours, the availability of easily understandable information on the environmental impact of digital products and control over how personal data is used and shared.

The declaration presented is based on EU law, from the Treaties to the Charter of Fundamental Rights, but also on the case law of the European Court of Justice. The European Commission has also summarized the key points in a factsheet.