European Data Protection Day is celebrated annually on January 28, marking the anniversary of the signing of Convention 108 of the Council of Europe, adopted in 1981, which regulates the protection of individuals regarding the processing of personal data. The aim of this day is to raise awareness about the importance of protecting personal data and citizens’ rights in this essential area.
The Council of Europe highlights that data protection affects nearly all aspects of modern life—from employment relationships and interactions with public administration to healthcare, consumption of goods and services, travel, and online browsing. Nevertheless, a significant number of citizens remain insufficiently informed about their rights and the ways to safeguard these rights against potential abuses.
The Importance of Data Privacy Awareness
A primary goal of this day is to provide citizens with a better understanding of the types of personal data that are collected and processed, while also informing them about their rights regarding such data collection.
Recent Eurostat data reveal various behaviors concerning how European internet users manage data protection. As the digital era continues to evolve, personal data protection has become a major concern. While digital platforms offer convenience and rapid connections, they also pose significant privacy risks, necessitating active user management of how their data is accessed and used.
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Limited Awareness of Privacy Policies
One of the greatest challenges in data protection is the low level of user awareness regarding privacy policies. In 2023, only 36% of internet users in the European Union reported reading privacy policies before providing personal information. Although these documents offer detailed information on how data is collected and used, most users either ignore them or accept the terms without reviewing them. This behavior exposes individuals to the risk of data misuse.
Measures Against Personalized Advertising
Despite limited interest in privacy policies, many users take active steps to manage the use of their data. For example, 54% of users refused to allow their personal data to be used for advertising purposes. This trend reflects growing awareness of how data is monetized by advertisers and a desire to limit invasive marketing practices.
Privacy for Geolocation and Social Networks
Restricting access to sensitive personal information, such as geographic location, is another common method used by internet users. In 2023, 51% of EU users took steps to block or limit access to their location data. Additionally, 41% adjusted privacy settings on social media to control who can view their profiles or posted content. These measures demonstrate users’ intent to maintain some level of control over their digital footprint, even if they have not yet adopted all necessary practices for full protection.
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Checking Secure Websites: A Neglected Priority
A concerning aspect is that only 35% of internet users in the EU check the security of websites when providing sensitive information, such as banking details or passwords. Identifying secure websites, recognizable through HTTPS protocols or a padlock symbol, is crucial for preventing data theft. This percentage highlights the need for broader education and awareness campaigns about online safety.
Regional Differences in Data Protection Habits
Data protection habits vary significantly among EU member states. Finland and the Netherlands lead, with 93% of internet users managing access to their personal data. Similarly, the Czech Republic ranks high, with 89% of users taking proactive measures.
At the opposite end, Romania (52%), Latvia (55%), and Slovenia (57%) have the lowest percentages of users adopting data protection measures. These differences may be attributed to levels of digital literacy, cultural attitudes toward privacy, or the availability of educational resources.
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Toward Better Data Protection
Data from 2023 presents a mixed picture of data protection awareness in Europe. While 73% of EU internet users have adopted at least one method to manage access to their personal data, there is still a long way to achieve complete and uniform protection.
Education, awareness campaigns, and collaboration among governments, organizations, and citizens are crucial to establishing safe digital habits. Whether it involves reading privacy policies, verifying website security, or limiting access to geolocation data, every action contributes to maintaining privacy. This day serves as a reminder that data protection is not only an individual responsibility but a collective challenge.
Source: Eurostat
InfoCons – European Organization for Consumer Protection and Promotion of Programs and Strategies , a full member of the World Organization Consumers International, founding member of the Federation of Consumer Associations, and member of ANEC .