Privacy and Data Protection during COVID-19

• Jurisdiction: European Union
• Year: 2021
• Author: Emanuele Ventrella

Speaker

Emanuele is a Data Protection Professional certified by the European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA) in Maastricht, NL. He holds a Master of Science in Global Politics from the University of Durham, a Double Degree Master in International Relations from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) and LUISS University in Rome, as well as a Bachelors in Political Science from LUISS. He has previously collaborated with Europol’s Data Protection Function (DPF) with a key role in managing stakeholders’ relations for the Europol Data Protection Experts Network (EDEN).

Topic

In the global effort to confront and combat the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, various entities, ranging from governments to public and private organizations, have implemented a wide array of measures. These measures have often involved the collection and processing of diverse forms of personal data, notably including sensitive health-related information. Within this complex landscape, Emanuele Ventrella's presentation serves as an invaluable guidepost, illuminating the critical juncture where the imperatives of public health safety intersect with the protection of individual privacy.

In his presentation, Mr. Ventrella navigates the intricate terrain of pandemic response, providing insightful directions on how to strike the delicate balance between safeguarding public health and respecting individual privacy rights. As the pandemic unfurled its relentless impact across the globe, governments and organizations swiftly deployed measures such as contact tracing, testing and vaccination campaigns, and health monitoring systems. These actions, while essential for stemming the spread of the virus and safeguarding the welfare of populations, also raised legitimate concerns about the potential intrusion into the private lives of individuals.

Ventrella's presentation underscores the importance of delineating a clear and ethical boundary between necessary safety measures and intrusive controls. It highlights the need for transparency and accountability in data collection and processing, as well as the imperative of adhering to...