Respect to Privacy and the Media-training for journalists was conducted
2017-07-10 13:35:12The balance between the right to privacy and the freedom of expression, respective international standards and the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights – the representatives of the television, radio, print and online media along with the Georgian and European experts, the Personal Data Protection Inspector and staff of the Inspector’s Office examined these issues within the framework of the two-days seminar.
The training, organised by the Council of Europe and the Inspector’s Office, was dedicated to the discussion of the local and international legislation, data subjects’ consent, coverage of crime, usage of hidden camera, disguise, drones, public interest test. The participants discussed the local and international practice and existing challenges. Along with the journalists, the representatives of the personal data protection authorities from the Eastern Partnership countries also participated in the training.
The participants further scrutinised the draft of the media guidelines, elaborated by Inspector’s Office and the Council of Europe experts. The guidelines are aimed at promoting the balance between the right to privacy and the freedom of expression in media activities.
The underlying principle of the balance is to reconcile the two fundamental rights in media activities. That is, on the one hand, endorsing the freedom of expression and on the other hand, protecting individuals’ right to privacy. The balance is especially relevant in light of the technological developments and the internet.
Georgian Law on Personal Data Protection does not cover the data processing for editorial purposes, therefore, recommendations elaborated in cooperation with the Council of Europe experts will have recommendatory power. Finalizing of the guidelines is anticipated by the end of 2017.