Privacy statement for ECB communication with the wider public

The European Central Bank (ECB) wants to improve its communication with the wider public. In today’s digital age, communication channels such as social media are used to reach out to and engage with the wider public. We analyse social media activity related to monetary policy and banking supervision and assess potential collaborations to reach new audiences.

What is our legal framework?

All personal data will be processed in line with European Union data protection legislation, that is to say in line with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725.

Why do we process your personal data?

Personal data are processed for improving our communication with the wider public. This may for example include relevant stakeholders, influencers, and media mapping, including an ex-ante analysis of online activity in areas related to our tasks.

What is the legal basis for processing your personal data?

Your personal data are processed by the ECB in the performance of a task carried out in the public interest, based on Article 5(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725.

By providing the requested personal data you consent to its processing by the ECB for focus group testing activities. You may withdraw your consent at any time by contacting info@ecb.europa.eu. All processing of your personal information will stop once you withdraw your consent; however, any processing that has already taken place remains lawful.

Who is responsible for processing your personal data?

The ECB is the controller for the processing of your personal data. The Public Communication Division is responsible for this processing.

Who will be the recipients of your personal data?

The recipients of your personal data (including entities who have access to that personal data) are authorised members of the Directorate General Communications of the European Central Bank and Consortium KOMMITMENT by ICF NEXT SA, Air Creative Associates SA, Initiative Media and WIDE.

What categories of personal data are collected?

The ECB processes the following personal data:

• identification data (name, username, user identification and geographical area)
• personal characteristics (age, gender and occupation)
• hobbies and interests
• professional and educational background

Where are your personal data processed (e.g. transferred or stored)?

Your personal data are processed by the ECB. In the context of the communications campaign to the wider public, Consortium KOMMITMENT by ICF NEXT SA, Air Creative Associates SA, Initiative Media and WIDE, processes personal data within the euro area, according to the ECB’s instructions.

This privacy statement takes precedence over the privacy statements of all involved external providers (including contractors and subcontractors) in the context of the communications campaign to the wider public.

How long will the ECB keep your personal data?

Your personal data will be stored for a maximum of five years before being deleted.

Upon the instructions of the ECB, following the conclusion of the communications campaign, the external provider will delete the results of searches and automatic backups after six months.

What are your rights in relation to your personal data?

You have the right to access your personal data and correct any data that is inaccurate or incomplete. You also have (with some limitations) the right to delete your personal data and to object to or to restrict the processing of your personal data in line with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725.

Who can you contact for queries or requests?

You can exercise your rights in relation to your personal data by contacting the Campaigns & Civil Society Team at info@ecb.europa.eu.

You can also directly contact the ECB’s Data Protection Officer at dpo@ecb.europa.eu for all queries relating to your personal data.

Addressing the European Data Protection Supervisor

If you consider that your rights under Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 have been infringed as a result of the processing of your personal data, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the European Data Protection Supervisor at any time.