EU Launches Digital Rights Survey: Your Voice in Shaping Europe's Digital Future
Brussels, Wednesday, 27 November 2024.
A groundbreaking EU initiative invites stakeholders to assess digital rights implementation across Europe through a 10-minute survey closing December 20, 2024. This crucial feedback will directly influence how digital human rights are protected and promoted throughout the European Union, marking a significant step in democratic digital governance.
Empowering Stakeholders in the Digital Age
The European Commission’s recent launch of the Digital Rights and Principles survey represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of digital governance within the EU. This survey, which is open to civil society, industry stakeholders, and human rights organizations, aims to gather comprehensive insights into how digital rights are perceived and implemented across the continent. The feedback collected will guide the Commission in monitoring and enhancing the adherence to the Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles, a cornerstone initiative dedicated to safeguarding fundamental rights in the digital realm[1].
The Essence of Digital Rights and Principles
At the heart of this initiative is the Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles, which emphasizes six key areas: placing people and their rights at the center of digital transformation, promoting solidarity and inclusion, ensuring freedom of choice online, fostering participation in the digital public space, enhancing safety and security, and advocating for a sustainable digital future. These principles are not only a roadmap for ethical digital governance but also a reflection of the EU’s commitment to upholding its core values in the digital sphere[1].
Collaborative Efforts for a Digital Future
The European Commission is collaborating with several partners, including Capgemini, Ecorys, IDC, Visionary Analytics, and Professor Eleni Kosta, a noted expert in Technology Law and Human Rights, to monitor the implementation of these principles[1]. This collaborative approach ensures a diverse range of perspectives and expertise, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the digital landscape across Europe. Participants in the survey are encouraged to share best practices and innovative approaches to digital rights, thereby contributing to a collective effort to enhance digital governance.
Survey Participation and Impact
By participating in the survey, organizations have the opportunity to influence the European digital agenda directly. This feedback mechanism not only strengthens the implementation of the Declaration but also highlights successful practices that can be adopted more widely across the EU. The survey’s findings will play a crucial role in shaping future policies and ensuring that digital rights are respected and protected across all member states. The deadline for submissions is December 20, 2024, and interested parties can participate via a short 10-minute survey provided by the European Commission’s DG CNECT[1].
Looking Ahead: A Unified Digital Strategy
This initiative aligns with broader EU strategies on digital transformation, such as the Coordinated Plan on Artificial Intelligence and the Better Internet for Kids strategy, which aim to foster a trustworthy, inclusive, and sustainable digital environment across Europe[5][4]. By integrating feedback from diverse stakeholders, the EU continues to position itself as a leader in digital governance, committed to ensuring that technological advancements benefit all citizens while safeguarding their rights.