PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC52 – Statement on privacy [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 March 2023.

During the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, the UK delivered a statement on privacy.

Thank you, Mr President,

The UK thanks the Special Rapporteur for her report on the implementation of the principles of purpose limitation, deletion of data and demonstrated or proactive accountability in the processing of personal data collected by public entities in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UK believes that it is essential that information relating to people’s health and care is processed appropriately, lawfully and in line with their reasonable expectations. The UK is committed to maintaining public trust in the health and care system’s use of data.

The principles identified by the Special Rapporteur in her report are implemented in the UK through the UK GDPR and the Data Protection. The UK recognises the need to operationalise these principles in practice and thanks the Special Rapporteur for her recommendations. The UK also welcomes the Special Rapporteur’s findings with respect to the UK’s current practice.

The UK would like to ask the Special Rapporteur if she has any further examples of good practice with respect to ensuring proactive accountability in the processing of personal data.

Thank you.