Human Rights - Right to privacy

HUMAN RIGHTS

Right to privacy

The right to privacy is a fundamental element of human dignity and personal autonomy: it allows individuals to decide who may enter their personal space and when and how they may do so, and what information about them is shared. It safeguards private and family life, the home and the confidentiality of communications, while also protecting the freedom to form relationships, develop one’s identity and make life decisions without unjustified intrusion. Interferences with privacy are permitted only in exceptional cases and on a statutory basis, and where they are necessary and proportionate for the protection of other important interests. The right to privacy and the protection of personality rights are guaranteed by Article 35 of the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia.

In the digital environment, the right to privacy also entails responsible and transparent handling of personal data. Such data may be collected and processed only for a specific purpose and on a lawful basis, and individuals must be able to access, rectify or, where justified, erase their data, while institutions and businesses must ensure that such data are adequately protected against misuse. Protecting privacy today also includes the considered management of one’s digital footprint.

Simona Drenik Bavdek

Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia