Surveillance and Privacy Concerns: The Role of EU Laws

• Jurisdiction: European Union
• Year: 2025

Speaker

Chloé Berthélémy is Senior Policy Advisor at EDRi, focusing on law enforcement, migration, and data protection issues. Her expertise encompasses cross-border access to data, police cooperation, and the role of EU agencies and databases. Chloé also has significant experience in online freedom of expression and content moderation, particularly within the framework of the Terrorist Content Online Regulation. She regularly engages in advocacy at both European and international levels, working with key stakeholders to advance human rights in the digital sphere.

Prior to joining EDRi, Chloé advocated for youth rights at the European level, contributing to various initiatives that aimed to strengthen young people's participation in policymaking processes. She holds a Double Master’s degree in European Affairs from Sciences Po Lille (France) and Aston University (United Kingdom).

In addition to her policy work, Chloé serves on the EDRi Staff Committee as a staff representative for the 2024-25 term, having also served in this role in 2023-24.

Topic

In this EU-presentation, Chloé Berthélémy delivers a comprehensive overview of surveillance and privacy concerns in the European Union, focusing on spyware, data protection, and digital rights. The presentation highlights the EU’s applicable legal framework, including the European Media Freedom Act, the ePrivacy Directive, the Law Enforcement Directive, and the e-evidence Regulation. Berthélémy examines critical issues such as the protection of journalistic sources, intrusive surveillance software, and the complexities of data privacy amidst fragmented national regulations.

A key emphasis is placed on the European Media Freedom Act, where Article 4 outlines obligations for Member States to respect editorial freedom and the rights of affected persons. She also addresses the challenges posed by commercial actors who collect data to facilitate surveillance, raising concerns about potential loopholes that may undermine fundamental rights.

The presentation also discusses the political situation on spyware, referencing the PEGA recommendations and...