The International Working Group on Data Protection in Telecommunications (IWGDPT) (also known as the Berlin Group) was founded within the framework of the International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners on the initiative of the Berlin Commissioner for Data Protection (Berliner Datenschutzbeauftragter), who chaired the Group until 24 March 2021. The Group’s main task is to inform citizens of their data protection and the rights to freedom of information and to support them in standing up for these rights.
Participants in the Group include representatives of data protection authorities and of international organisations from all over the world dealing with privacy issues. It adopts comments and recommendations (Common Positions/Working Papers), including within the context of legislative procedures, and drafts expert opinions and reports. As part of its activities, the Group participates in national, European and international authorities, conferences and working groups.
The International Working Group keeps the public informed of key issues concerning data protection through its annual report, current events, technical and legal studies and various publications.
The Group has since 1983 adopted numerous Common Positions and Working Papers aimed at improving the protection of privacy in telecommunications.
Since the beginning of the 90s the Group has in particular focused on the protection of privacy on the Internet.
More information about the International Working Group on Data Protection in Telecommunications – HERE.
Working Papersof the International Working Group on Data Protection in Telecommunications – HERE.
