In many projects, social media is used to publish project results and network with other organisations. Social media services such as Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and TikTok are an essential part of information and communication behaviour in both private and professional environments.

Social Media und Datenschutz

When using these services, we must be aware that the shared content can be accessed worldwide and that it is almost impossible to trace what happens to this data or even delete it permanently. By publishing on social media, we give up a certain amount of control over the data we publish in this way, which is why we should only share content there with a great deal of caution.

Most social networks are based outside the EU and only take the GDPR standards into account to a limited extent when designing their services. However, the business model of most platforms consists of very intensive processing of personal data, e.g. for personalised advertising or the training of AI systems. For years, there has therefore been a tough struggle between the EU and the social media platforms, in which legal means are now also being used. The Meta Group (which includes Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp) had to pay a fine of 1.2 billion euros for a breach of the GDPR because the group had failed to "eliminate risks to the fundamental rights and freedoms of data subjects" that had been identified in a judgement by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). . 

Use of social media platforms

When using social media platforms, we are responsible for the data we publish.   

As long as we publish content without any specific personal reference, this is harmless from a data protection perspective. However, as soon as we share personal data via the platforms, we are responsible for the processing of this information. We should therefore select the content very carefully and ensure that the processing of personal data there is as transparent as possible for the data subjects and that there is a corresponding legal basis.

As far as possible, avoid sharing personal data such as names, addresses or other details on social media platforms. The same applies to photos or videos in which individuals can be recognised. Such images should only be published with the express permission and consent of the persons depicted.

Source: Joseph Mucira on Pixabay