Introduction: Data Protection In Humanitarian Action

This introduction presents the origins and structure of the edited volume, which reflects on a decade of progress in data protection within humanitarian contexts and anticipates the challenges that lie ahead. As digital technologies increasingly shape humanitarian action, they also introduce new risks for affected populations and humanitarian actors. In this evolving landscape, data protection has emerged as a foundational element of responsible humanitarian action. The volume is structured into five interconnected sections and comprises twenty chapters contributed by academics, policymakers, and practitioners in this field. It sets out the conceptual framework for readers, presents the transformation of the humanitarian landscape, examines the intersection of data protection with legal frameworks and diplomacy, and explores organisational dynamics, regional and community-based perspectives, as well as future directions. This volume underscores a central theme of how data protection fosters trust, accountability, and respect for individuals, reinforcing its role as a critical enabler of ethical and effective humanitarian work in the digital era.