Privacy is a universal human right. Here is a list of international accords related to privacy that serve as the foundation for national laws, policy frameworks, and international agreements throughout the world. EFF frequently draws on these documents in our arguments to protect privacy.

International Privacy Frameworks

Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

The OECD is a forum of more than 30 countries that has developed forward-thinking guidelines on the protection of privacy and transborder data flows. Decisions made within OECD are reached by consensus and commitments are undertaken on a voluntary basis.

Council of Europe

Like the United Nations, the 47 member states of the Council of Europe have drafted several agreements to advance citizens' privacy rights as part of a broader commitment to cooperation and the development of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation

APEC is an inter-governmental organization operating on the basis of non-binding commitments. Unlike other multilateral trade bodies APEC, has no treaty obligations required of its participants. Decisions made within APEC are reached by consensus and commitments are undertaken on a voluntary basis. APEC has 21 members.

European Data Protection Directive

The Directive has been designed to protect the collection use and disclosure of personal information held by the private and public sector. The Directive was adopted by the European Union and have been transposed into national law by the 27 members states.

International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners

Each year the International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners brings together the highest authorities and institutions guaranteeing data protection and privacy, as well as experts in the field from every continent.

Other International Instruments

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