As the entry into force of the new EU general regulation on data protection nears, an educational instrument to raise awareness of the youngest of the fundamental principles of protection, has been developed in cooperation with Child Focus and the Private Life Commission. This educational kit was presented Monday noon at the Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege, Brussels, by Philippe De Backer, Secretary of State for Private Life Protection, and Sven Gatz, Flemish Minister for Culture, Media and Youth.
The entry into force of the general regulation on data protection (RGPD), which specifies the rules to be complied with by any individual or society dealing with personal data, is planned for May 25. The educational material, “I Decide,” aimed at teachers, includes, in particular, a video, and targets young people, so that they are aware of their rights regarding their private life.
In view of the Monday presentation, students of Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege had been invited to look for personal data concerning Philippe De Backer and Sven Gatz, such as their phone number or address, so as to raise their awareness of data sharing on the internet.
“Young people are ‘digital natives,’ but that makes them all the more vulnerable if they do not take into account that their digital life can also be used against them,” stresses the Secretary of State for Private Life Protection. The new European rules must provide them with “additional protection,” believes Sven Gatz.
Both have stressed, in particular, the importance of creating secured passwords, or of using the latest version of browser software. The role of the authority for data protection, which flows from the Commission for Private Life reform, has also been presented to them
As of now, only two Member States have already adopted “the relevant national legislation” for the entry into force of the general regulation on data protection. As for Belgium, it is on the right path. The age limit for parental consent for young people’s access to social media, game websites or online shops, which must be between 13 and 16, according to the RGPD, has yet to be discussed.
The instrument is available on line on the website www.jedecide.be.
The Brussels Times
