The forum gathered prominent international experts, national stakeholders, and representatives from data protection authorities, to revive discussions concerning the modernisation of Ukraine’s data protection legal framework, aiming to establish an adequate level of personal data protection in alignment with leading European and international standards, including pertinent Council of Europe instruments.

Mr. Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights highlighted:

"Thirteen years have passed after the adoption of the current data protection legislation in Ukraine; clearly new challenges have emerged related to the Russian aggression, to the development of our country and society, rapid technological progress, use of AI and video surveillance[..] there is an urgent need to set up the national commission. The modalities can be discussed (during or after the martial law) but the idea that the commission is to be set up is without a question".

Discussions concentrated on the assessment of the current state and challenges inherent in the national data protection legal framework, as well as the practical implementation of international standards. Furthermore, attention was directed towards innovations proposed by draft data protection legislation, notably those pertaining to the establishment of an independent supervisory authority in data protection and access to public information.

The insights shared by Ukrainian authorities and international experts provided participants with invaluable firsthand experiences on data protection, fostering opportunities for learning and exchange. This facilitated mutual understanding regarding the necessary steps for advancing the data protection modernisation process.

Reference information:

The Council of Europe project “Supporting Implementation of the European Human Rights Standards in Ukraine” is aimed at supporting the effective implementation of European human rights standards, including the protection of the right to privacy and personal data.