HRC46 - NB8 statement - Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on

the right to privacy

5 March 2021

Statement by Latvia on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries

Thank you, Madam President.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States: [Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country – Latvia.]

Prof. Cannataci,

We thank you for all your work during your tenure as the Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy. [Your latest report on artificial intelligence and privacy, and children’s privacy, is timely. The reliance on information technologies has only risen during the pandemic, especially among school-children.]

AI solutions offer a wide range of benefits in all areas of human development. However, we must also be aware of the risks they may pose for the enjoyment of human rights, including the right to privacy and prohibition of discrimination. We echo your call for human-rights based AI use and development.

Ensuring children’s right to privacy is especially pertinent in the ‘digital age’. One year after the start of the pandemic, many children across the world continue their education online. Your report observes that the shift to online learning has amplified the existing power imbalances between children and other stakeholders, and that privacy is often set aside in favour of other considerations.

Prof. Cannataci,

What are the best means to ensure that children’s right to privacy is respected when using online education tools?

Thank you.