The respect and promotion of human rights takes a new dimension in as a result of digitalisation, new technologies and Artificial Intelligence, in particular regarding to rights to privacy and freedom of expression. As in other companies in the sector, Telefónica receives requests for information regarding customer or user communications and access to specific sites or content. For this reason, exercising transparency is crucial in a world where there is a shared responsibility to protect and guarantee people’s rights.
Human Rights Governance: Privacy and Freedom of Expression
In the digital world is witnessing a significant shift in the respect and promotion of human rights, with a particular focus on privacy and freedom of expression, driven by the use of new technologies, Artificial Intelligence and the prominence of data on a global scale. For this reason, we have established a management model of clear responsibilities in the protection of human rights in general and privacy and freedom of expression in more specifically.
For more information on our global human rights approach read here 
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Context and types of requirements
As is the case in the telecommunications sector, Telefónica receives requests for information regarding customer or user communications and requests to block access to certain sites or content. Transparency is therefore an essential practice in a world in which there is a shared responsibility to preserve and guarantee human rights.
Protocol for the provision of data to Competent Authorities
Telefónica is legally obliged to respond to requests made by the Competent Authorities, in the legitimate exercise of their competencies, regarding the provision of user information, blocking of content and suspension of service, for the development of criminal and administrative investigations and for the compliance and protection of citizens’ rights in the geographies in which it operates. In this section you can find out about the global procedure we follow to deal with this type of request.
Transparency in Communications Report
As part of our commitment to the fundamental rights of privacy and freedom of expression, Telefónica publishes an annual Transparency in Communications Report, with the aim of contributing to a more accessible and transparent society.
