Strengthening EU Protections: Robert Szustkowski calls for safeguarding EU citizens’ rights to dignity

(IN BRIEF) The European Union faces a growing challenge in combating disinformation and media manipulation. Citizens and organizations are calling for an expansion of the “right to be forgotten” to include media outlets, holding them accountable for defamatory or misleading information. Robert Szustkowski, a victim of media defamation, urges the EU to adopt new laws that protect individuals’ reputations. His proposals include clear guidelines for media, a simplified process for data deletion requests, and greater transparency on data breaches. These reforms aim to safeguard human dignity and uphold European values in the digital age.

One of the most pressing demands from EU citizens and entrepreneurs is for an expansion of the “right to be forgotten”—a legal principle that allows individuals to request the deletion of personal information under certain circumstances. Now, there is a strong push to extend this right to include media outlets as data controllers. This would hold news organizations accountable for the personal data they handle, particularly when it comes to defamatory or misleading information.

A key advocate for this expansion is Robert Szustkowski, a prominent figure who has personally experienced the devastating effects of media defamation. Szustkowski’s story highlights the dire consequences of unchecked media power in the digital age. Despite multiple court rulings in his favour, unfounded accusations against him continue to circulate, damaging his reputation and violating his fundamental rights. His experience underscores the need for stronger protections against the rapid spread of misinformation.

In an open letter to Executive Vice-President Vera Jourova and Commissioner Didier Reynders, Szustkowski calls for the European Commission to introduce new legislative tools that would extend the “right to be forgotten” to cover news media entities. He argues that this extension is crucial for protecting individuals’ reputations in a world where information—whether accurate or not—can be disseminated instantly and globally.

At the core of Szustkowski’s appeal is the belief that the “right to be forgotten” is more important than ever. In a digital age where unverified and distorted information can cause immediate and lasting harm, individuals should have the right to demand that their personal data be removed if there is no legitimate reason for its retention. This is not just about personal privacy; it’s about protecting human dignity and combating the pervasive threat of disinformation.

Szustkowski’s proposal includes several key recommendations for the European Commission:

1. Introduce Clear Guidelines for Media Publishers: Media outlets should be required to follow standardized procedures for handling personal data, ensuring accuracy, and making decisions about data erasure transparent.

2. Implement a Standardized Reporting Form: Individuals should have access to a straightforward process for requesting the deletion of inaccurate or defamatory information. This would make it easier for citizens to protect their reputations.

3. Ensure Public Availability of Breach Information: Raising awareness about personal data breaches is essential for educating the public and organizations on responsible data management. This would help prevent future incidents of data misuse.

Szustkowski’s call for regulatory reform is a timely reminder of the need to uphold European values in the digital age. By extending the “right to be forgotten” to include media entities, the EU would be taking a significant step towards ensuring that news organizations act responsibly in handling personal data. This initiative would not only protect the rights of EU citizens but also reinforce the core values of human dignity and justice that are central to the European project.

Addressing the issue of disinformation is critical for maintaining the integrity of public discourse in Europe. By adopting Szustkowski’s proposals, the EU would be sending a strong message: that the rights of individuals to protect their reputation and image are as important as the freedom of the press. In doing so, the EU would be taking a stand for fairness, respect, and the protection of human rights across the continent.

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SOURCE: Szustkowski.eu