A new vision for protecting digital privacy
Robert Szustkowski, in his Open Letter to the European Commission, proposes a significant extension of the EU’s “Right to be Forgotten” law. His initiative aims to hold news media accountable as controllers of personal data, which could revolutionise the management of digital privacy and reputation. Szustkowski emphasises that, given the rapid technological progress and the increasing amount of digital information being shared, there is an urgent need to update the rules that protect personal rights such as reputation and image.
Appeal to the European Commission
In his letter to Executive Vice-President Jourová and Commissioner Reynders, Szustkowski emphasises that the original “Right to be Forgotten” law, introduced in 2012, was a pioneering step in data protection. However, in light of the current realities, it is necessary to rethink how personal data and related information are managed and corrected. Szustkowski proposes the introduction of procedures and systematic rules that will enable individuals to more effectively manage and defend their personal rights against disinformation and defamatory press releases.
Balancing privacy and freedom of speech
Szustkowski emphasizes that the new regulations should find a balance between privacy and freedom of speech. He argues that individuals should have the right to remove false, undocumented or irrelevant information that harms their reputation. The Open Letter places great emphasis on protecting human dignity and calls for specific measures to protect individuals from misleading information and defamation.