Hielke Hijmans Books

This book explores the EU's role in safeguarding privacy and data protection online, highlighting their significance for democracies and the challenges posed by big data and mass surveillance. It focuses on the EU's mandate under Article 16 TFEU, analyzing the contributions of various actors within the EU framework, including the judiciary, EU legislators, and independent supervisory authorities, as well as the EU's external role. Article 16 TFEU empowers the Court of Justice of the EU to uphold high standards for fundamental rights and mandates the European Parliament and Council to legislate on personal data processing. It emphasizes the importance of independent supervisory authorities in data protection and grants the EU a robust mandate for global action. The analysis reveals that EU powers can be effectively utilized, presenting a potential success story amidst rising euroskepticism. Member States play a crucial role in ensuring privacy and data protection, and the book argues that key stakeholders must be willing to make additional efforts for success. Based on extensive academic research and practical experience within European institutions, this book is essential reading during a time of significant change in EU privacy and data protection, particularly with the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation. It will resonate with those involved in this regulation and those interested in the EU's institution