The Council of Europe HELP course on data protection and privacy rights was launched in cooperation with the Slovak Bar Association for a group of 31 lawyers. This was the first pilot experience in launching a HELP course in the Slovak Republic. Nevertheless, the course, that was initially developed under the EU/CoE project « HELP in the 28 » had been launched for a joint group of Czech and Slovak lawyers back in 2017 (see here).

The kick-off event was opened by Ondrej Laciak, Vice-president of the Slovak Bar Association, who greeted the participants and stressed the relevance of this course for Slovak lawyers.

Following the general HELP presentation, the course tutor Miroslav Chlipala gave an historical overview on data protection developments in the Council of Europe, the EU and in the Slovak Republic. Specific focus was given to the Modernised Convention 108 of the Council of Europe and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the EU. Participants shared their expectations and their experiences in the application of the existing legal instruments in the area. They were then practically demonstrated how to navigate the HELP online platform.

The HELP course on data protection and privacy rights is among the most popular HELP courses for lawyers throughout Council of Europe member states. It is composed of ten modules, including an introduction to the legal framework, key concepts and principles, five thematic modules (on medical privacy, media, e-communication, disruptive technologies and privacy in the workplace) and two modules on enforcement issues and transborder data flows.

The course on data protection and privacy rights is available in 15 languages in the HELP online platform. An updated version of this online course in English will be made available by the end of 2018.