Data protection is a fundamental component of the right to respect for private life and must be guaranteed for everyone. In the digital age, where technologies increasingly rely on the collection, processing and monetisation of data, navigating the digital space in a safe, responsible and informed way has become a major societal challenge.

However, the rapid pace of technological change, combined with the lack of widespread awareness-raising and education on effective data protection, makes the development of shared rules and practices particularly challenging. This situation weakens not only the exercise of digital rights at the individual level, but also the digital sovereignty of States. The protection of personal data therefore remains an essential safeguard for democratic societies against excessive intrusions into private life, whether by public or private actors, and a central pillar of human rights protection, particularly in the digital environment.

It is within this context that the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe, building on the relevant instruments of the Council of Europe, in particular Convention 108 and its Additional Protocols, developed a course specifically designed for young people, who are the main users of digital platforms and the Internet. Through this initiative of the HEY (Human Rights Education for Youth) Programme, participants strengthened their understanding of data protection issues to promote responsible online behaviour and contribute to the development of a digital culture that respects fundamental rights.

Clara Merheb from Lebanon took part in the first edition and underlined:

Data is everywhere in our daily lives. Understanding how it is collected and used is essential to protect our freedom, dignity and choices in the digital world.

Thirty-nine participants from Europe, Africa and the Middle East took part in the first edition of the course, strengthening their understanding of regional and international legal and ethical frameworks, their rights related to data protection and privacy, as well as the tools needed to promote a shared culture of personal data protection. They will soon be invited to apply for a training of trainers, enabling them to pass on their knowledge within their communities.

A new edition of the HEY course on personal data protection is planned for 2026.

 Learn more about the HEY Programme

The HEY course on data protection was developed in partnership with the Arab Information and Communication Technologies organization (AICTO) and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). It is being implemented as part of the South Programme VI a joint initiative between the European Union and the Council of Europe co-funded by both organisations, and implemented by the Council of Europe.