DATA PROTECTION IN THE FRAMEWORK OF COMBATING DISCRIMINATION, RACISM AND XENOFOBIA IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

Abstract

As the EU is based on specific values, including the value of equality, and as one of its objectives is to combat social exclusion and discrimination, this work presents two desiderata that are difficult to reconcile: the need for the collection and analysis of ethnic data - as a tool to combat discrimination and promote equality - and the imperative of its protection. In fact, technological developments allow the use of personal data, many of them classified as “sensitive”, so that their exceptional use requires compliance with strict rules of an ethical nature. Thus, our intention is to assess whether compliance with the rules on the collection and processing of ethnic data by member states can safeguard the fundamental rights of members belonging to minorities, preventing the misuse or abuse of such data.