In the past number of years questions have been raised as to whether human rights are adequately protected when using social networking sites. In this context, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (CoE) adopted a recommendation on 4th April. The recommendation urges CoE Member States to develop and promote articulate policies to protect human rights on social networking sites, in line with the European Convention on Human Rights. The Communication stressed that users must be must be made aware of the potential challenges posed when using social networking services. The transparency of data processing must be enhanced and services must refrain from the illegitimate processing of personal data, the recommendation affirmed.
