Data Privacy Day traces its origins to the 1981 Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of Individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data (Convention 108), the first international treaty specifically dedicated to privacy and data protection. In 2025, Data Privacy Day assumes particular significance following the ratification of the Amending Protocol to Convention 108 on January 17th, 2025, through Greek Law 5169/2025.
The Amending Protocol to Convention 108 expands its scope to encompass new forms of data processing, such as those related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data, and additional personal data categories like genetic and biometric data. It also empowers individuals’ rights, aligning with the GDPR, and establishes a more standardized framework for cross-border data transfers while facilitating international cooperation in enforcement and oversight.
In parallel, the European Union’s implementation of the AI Act seeks to regulate high-risk AI systems, in order to ensure their transparency and safety, focusing not only on protecting individuals’ privacy and fundamental rights, but also promoting responsible AI development and innovation.
Notably, the accession to Convention 108+ provides an additional layer of protection, complementing the GDPR and the AI Act, and enhancing the overall framework for safeguarding personal data in an increasingly complex and challenging digital environment.
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