Handbook on Data Protection in Humanitarian Action - Second Edition

Since data protection in humanitarian action is a fast evolving area, the ICRC and the Brussels Privacy Hub have started working on a second edition of this Handbook. On the one hand, the regulatory environment is constantly changing, developing principles and guidance further. On the other hand, new technologies become increasingly relevant in the humanitarian sector, raising new questions. In addition, experience in the application of Handbook since its publication can provide useful and concrete examples to guide humanitarian organisations.

The update of the Handbook aims at responding to the present needs of the humanitarian sector. In particular, the second edition intends to:
• Update existing parts of the Handbook in light of recent jurisprudence and guidance developed in the regulatory sphere, as well as based on experience of humanitarian organisations applying the Handbook in real life cases;
• Add practical guidance in relation to technical aspects of data protection by design and by default, mitigating measures and/or technical security elements;
• Incorporate into the Handbook a discussion of new technologies that can have serious potential for humanitarian action, including blockchain, digital identity, artificial intelligence, connectivity as aid and social media.
• Integrate input from the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative Signal Program, which focuses on the ethical implications of new technologies, as well as impact on communities.

Assisted by an Advisory Board composed of various experts and stakeholders (humanitarian organisations, academia, data protection authorities and civil society), the ICRC and the Brussels Privacy Hub will present the working series during a side event to the International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners on 23 October 2018, with a view of publishing the new edition of the Handbook in early 2020.