Winning Video Announced 3rd Annual Data Protection Day Surf the Net, Think Privacy Making the internet a safer place for European citizens

This year, Data Protection Day focused on engaging young European citizens about personal data protection and privacy, as well as their day-to-day rights and responsibilities. At the event, a panel discussion paid special attention to the use of new technologies amongst young adults.

Through several specialised sessions with leading speakers, participants learned more about privacy protection for youth on the internet, so that they can use the internet to learn and grow, without having to fear any infringements of their rights.

The winner of the “Surf the net – think Privacy” competition – a pan-European video competition run by EUN and powered by Microsoft that invited young people from 15 to 19 to express their views and concerns about online privacy – was also announced. The winning entry was from Ilinca Razvan, Alexandru Coman and Cosmin Bogdan from Romania, with their video “ID”, which showcased how ‘public’ one’s identity can become online. Of the over 70 creative short films by youth (with the help of their teachers and schools) from 16 European countries, the jury felt that their video effectively raised important concerns over vulnerabilities of online activities.

John Vasallo, Microsoft Vice President of EU Affairs, commented that “this is a fabulous opportunity: to ensure privacy means giving people control over the use of their personal information through innovative technology and to educate young Europeans as well as policymakers to some of the threats they encounter online. Working together, the coalition you see today is changing the way e-skills education is done in Europe. I would like to congratulate all the video competition participants for their contributions, which the judges, all data protection experts, found very inspirational.”

Marc Durando, Executive Director of EUN, agreed that “This is an important initiative in helping people understand the risks of online behaviour. By working with schools, teachers, and students, we are creating a framework which allows everyone to benefit as much as possible from the amazing opportunities of the internet. On a personal note, it was invigorating to see so many exceptional entries in the video competition. The entries highlight many important issues that are being discussed at today’s event. European citizens can greatly benefit from having more information on how best to protect their privacy while enjoying all the benefits of a connected world.”

The panellists included Sophie in’t Veld, MEP; Marc Durando, the Executive Director of EUN; Leif Stenström, the Information Officer at the Swedish data protection agency; Ambassador Torbjörn Fröysnes, Representative of the Secretary General, Director of the Council of Europe Liaison Office with the European Union; Dr. Gus Hosein of Privacy International; John Vassallo, Vice-President EU Affairs of Microsoft; Richard Galvin from the European School Brussels; Imke Leenders of the Dutch Youth Council; Madi Sharma, a Member of the European Economic and Social Committee; and Peter Hustinx, the European Data Protection Supervisor.

The 3rd annual Data Protection Day, was hosted by Sophie in’t Veld, MEP, at the European Parliament in Brussels on 28 January 2009. Data Protection Day aims to raise awareness about data protection and privacy and address growing concerns surrounding online activity, bringing together the Council of Europe, the European Commission, European Parliamentarians and partners from across Europe.

Data Protection Day aims to increase cooperation and education efforts by stakeholders from across many sectors in Europe, such as Data Protection authorities, MEPs, NGOs, European Schoolnet (EUN), Education Ministries from 31 European countries, and Microsoft. The European Commission was represented by Vice President Jacques Barrot, responsible for Justice, Freedom and Security, who delivered the keynote speech.