International Working Group on Data Protection in Telecommunications (Berlin Group)

The Working Group was founded in 1983 in the framework of the International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners at the initiative of the Berlin Commissioner for Data Protection, who has since then been chairing the Group. The Group has since 1983 adopted numerous recommendations (“Common Positions” and “Working Papers”) aimed at improving the protection of privacy in telecommunications. These documents are available on the website of the Berlin Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information at https://www.datenschutz-berlin.de/infothek-und-service/veroeffentlichungen/working-paper/.

Membership of the Group includes representatives from Data Protection Authorities and other bodies of national public administrations, international organisations and scientists from all over the world. Since the beginning of the 90s the Group has in particular focused on the protection of privacy on the Internet.

A brochure containing all documents adopted by the International Working Group until 2013 (in German and English) is available below. These documents are complemented by a number of resolutions passed by the International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners which have been prepared or influenced by the Working Group.