The European Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles guides the digital transition in line with EU values for a secure and sustainable digital future.
Your rights need to be protected online as well as offline. This is why the EU signed a declaration on European digital rights and principles which puts Europeans at the heart of the EU’s digital transformation and promotes a digital transition shaped by European values.
European Digital Rights and Principles
All people in the EU should get the most out of the digital transformation. The digital rights and principles guide the EU in promoting an inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable society. The declaration is the first of its kind in the world. It is a reference point for everyone in the EU and a guide for policy makers and companies developing digital technologies. The digital rights and principles will continue to be reflected in the EU’s actions, future work, and engagement with global partners.
People at the centre
Digital technologies should protect people’s rights, support democracy, and ensure that all digital players act responsibly and safely.
Solidarity and inclusion
Technology should unite, not divide, people. Everyone should have access to the internet, to digital skills, to digital public services, and to fair working conditions.
Freedom of choice
People should benefit from a fair online environment, be safe from illegal and harmful content, and be empowered when they interact with new and evolving technologies like artificial intelligence.
Participation
Citizens should be able to engage in the democratic process at all levels and have control over their own data.
Safety and security
The digital environment should be safe and secure. All users, from childhood to old age, should be empowered and protected.
Sustainability
Digital devices should support sustainability and the green transition. People need to know about the environmental impact and energy consumption of their devices.
Key figures
EU digital priorities in the next 10 years
92% of European citizens consider protecting privacy and security as a digital objective
89% of European citizens consider making digital tools more accessible for everyone as a digital objective
86% of European citizens consider using digital tools to simplify life for people and businesses as a digital objective
Protection of children online
92% of Europeans citizens think protecting children online is a high priority
41% of EU citizens report insufficient protection for minors online
Implementation of digital rights
51% of Europeans citizens think the EU is protecting their rights in the digital environment well
Development and use of AI
59% of EU citizens use generative AI tools
80% of EU citizens say AI development must be carefully regulated for safety, even if it slows down developers
Issues encountered online
53% of EU citizens report being affected by fake news and disinformation online
47% of EU citizens report being affected by misuse of personal data
AI and sustainability
78% of Europeans think AI should be developed as a priority in an environmentally sustainable way (i.e. using renewable and clean energy)
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