2025 - November and December - page 33
Image details
| Issue number | 404 |
|---|---|
| ISSN | 2632-7171 |
| Publication date | 1st November 2025 |
| Transcription |
Industry News magazine “Never Again” Meets “Right to be Forgotten”: Archives, Accountability and the Legacy of Privacy The recent BBC report on Weleda’s investigation into its alleged links to Nazi-era human experimentation reminded me of the vital role archives play in confronting uncomfortable truths. A key area where archives ask for the support of Naomi Korn Associates is how to balance the need to preserve historical records with modern data protection laws like the GDPR? The Irony of Protection There’s a deep irony here: laws born from the horrors of the 20th century designed to protect individuals from state overreach could, if misapplied, be used to erase the very records that could contain evidence of that history. This is why archivists and data protection officers must work together to balance protection and preservation. GDPR and the Paradox of Privacy GDPR enshrines the right to privacy and, notably, the “right to be forgotten.” But data protection law provides exemptions for archiving in the public interest, scientific or historical research and statistical purposes provided appropriate safeguards are in place. Archiving is one of the few areas where the law recognises that some data must be retained, even if it includes personal or sensitive information, because its historical value outweighs the privacy implications. Transparency Through Access Weleda’s decision to grant full access to its archives for independent research is commendable. Corporate archives understand that transparency is not just a legal obligation, it can be a moral one and important for the future of their business. Further Help We understand the immense pressure that comes with ensuring compliance and navigating the complexities of data protection regulations. That’s why Naomi Korn Associates has created a dedicated help desk to provide you with the support you need. Further information can be found here. Want to learn more? Visit our training webpage to find courses that will provide practical skills and confidence in managing personal data within your archive, museum or library collection or contact us at info@naomikorn.com now for further information and to join the 2026 waitlist. Unlock More of Your Collections Apart from copyright, the digitisation and publication of important collection items such as letters, diaries and oral histories by archival and museum services can present challenges in balancing access with data protection and privacy rights. The UK General Data Protection Regulation and associated legislation, such as the Data Use and Access Act 2025, recognise the importance of archives and the materials they contain. There are various ways to ensure compliance with these laws, while still achieving the aims of an archival or museum service. One effective way to enable access, while safeguarding privacy, is through redaction. By redacting personal data, institutions can protect individual privacy, meet legal obligations and open up collections that might otherwise remain closed. Redaction is not about limiting access - it’s about enabling it responsibly. Many collection items can contain personal data that, if shared without care, could breach data protection laws or cause harm or distress. Personal data can include names, addresses, medical details and sensitive content related to race, religion or political beliefs. Redaction of personal data ensures that materials can be accessed while protecting the privacy of data subjects. There are providers who offer fast, intelligent processing of personal data that can help archival and museum services make valuable materials available. This is a practical solution that empowers archival and museum services to share more, not less. Naomi Korn Associates has also launched a service specifically tailored for the heritage sector, enabling the redaction of personal data so that materials can be accessed while protecting the privacy of data subjects. If your organisation is looking to make more of its collections accessible, while staying compliant, this redaction software could be one part of your digitisation strategy. Please contact info@naomikorn.com for more information. Jess Pembroke Director of Information Law Services, Naomi Korn Associates 33 |