Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Privacy

Thank you, Madam President.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country – Latvia.

We thank Prof. Cannataci for his work as the Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy. However, we would like to underscore the importance of timely reporting, active engagement and a vocal and independent voice, to fulfil the mandates of the Special Procedures.

AI solutions offer a wide range of benefits in all areas of human development. However, we must also be aware of the risks they may pose for the enjoyment of human rights, including the right to privacy and prohibition of discrimination. We echo the Special Rapporteur’s call for human rights based use and development of AI.

Ensuring children’s right to privacy is especially pertinent in the ‘digital age’. One year after the start of the pandemic, many children across the world continue their education online. The report observes that the shift to online learning has amplified the existing power imbalances between children and other stakeholders, and that privacy is often set aside in favour of other considerations.

In this regard, we would like to ask: what are the best means to ensure that children’s right to privacy is respected when using online education tools?

Thank you.