30 years of the Hungarian information rights institutional system

"Data protection authorities have an extremely responsible role" said President Tamás Sulyok at the international conference organised to mark the 30th anniversary of the Hungarian information rights institutional system.

In his opening address at the event organised by the National Authority for Data Protection and Freedom of Information, the Head of State pointed out that the right to personal data protection had to be established from scratch to serve as a protective shield for citizens and legal entities.

"As a result of the explosive development of information technology, we have entered a new world where we have quick and easy access to data. The misuse of personal data and the danger it poses are growing, and the right to informational self-determination has never been so vulnerable," emphasised the President, adding that this led to the creation of the National Authority for Data Protection and Freedom of Information, an independent body with official powers, which has taken over the role of the ombudsman in Hungary. The new organisation is authorised to take action ex officio, impose fines and issue binding decisions. The Hungarian authority, which cooperates with the European Data Protection Board, can draw on international experience, receive assistance in its work, and contribute to strengthening global data protection . Today's conference demonstrates the success of this international cooperation, he added.

The Head of State recalled that international legal documents stipulate that digital development must follow a human-centred approach and ethical principles. He also emphasised that digitalisation cannot be an end in itself and is only as valuable as it serves humanity. He pointed out that the main topic of the conference is a specific area of law, the protection of personal data, which is directly derived from the principle of human dignity.

According to Tamás Sulyok, institutions must be created that are capable of ensuring that fundamental rights do not remain abstract concepts, but become part of everyday life. Data protection is one of those sensitive areas where law, morality and human dignity are closely intertwined.

Finally, the Head of State expressed his appreciation that the National Authority for Data Protection and Freedom of Information has become one of the key institutions of the democratic rule of law.