privaatsuses

Privaatsuses is the Estonian term used to denote privacy in the sense of being free from unnecessary intrusion and, more broadly, the right and ability to control personal information. In discourse, it covers both physical privacy (private space and seclusion) and informational privacy (data control, consent, and transparency about processing).

Legally, privacy in Estonia aligns with broader European standards. The European Union’s Charter of Fundamental Rights and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) provide the framework for privacy rights, which Estonian law implements through national data protection provisions. Core rights include consent to data processing, access to one’s data, correction or deletion, and data portability. Privacy by design and data minimization are promoted across public and private sectors, with emphasis on clear notice and accountability for data controllers.

In practice, protecting privaatsuses involves technical and organizational measures such as encryption, pseudonymization, robust authentication, minimization of collected data, and transparent terms of processing. Individuals can exercise their rights by contacting data controllers, requesting access or deletion, and appealing to national supervisory authorities, such as the Estonian Data Protection Inspectorate.

Challenges to privacy include online tracking and profiling, data breaches, and the use of artificial intelligence for data analysis. Cross-border data transfers and the trade-off between privacy, security, and societal interests also shape policy debates. Privaatsuses remains a dynamic concept, evolving with technology, public policy, and cultural expectations regarding what information should remain private.