The right to privacy is not only a matter of security, but also crucial for preserving freedom and dignity, as well as the mental and moral integrity of every individual. A violation of this right can be a step toward discrimination, and even violence, emphasized the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Brankica Janković, at the opening of the conference “Privacy Week,” organized by Partners Serbia on the occasion of International Privacy Day, January 28.

In the practice of the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, there have been numerous examples where violations of various aspects of the right to privacy also constituted acts of discrimination.

In a time of all-encompassing digitalization, when there is often talk of a “post-privacy” era, it is important to remind ourselves again and again how vital the right to privacy is for preserving freedom, dignity, and equality. It is necessary to create a tolerant society in which, even when personal data is disclosed, no one feels that their safety or dignity is threatened, Janković added.

Taking into account the global nature of the risks associated with violations of the right to privacy, as well as the fact that this right represents a connecting point for many other human rights, the Commissioner also emphasized the importance of cooperation among state institutions, as well as the significance of cooperation with civil society organizations and the academic community.