This document discusses privacy issues related to the use of big data in official statistics. It covers three main topics:
1) How privacy laws can affect the use of big data and the ability to link different data sources, which could prevent interesting statistical uses but also negatively impact individuals.
2) The challenges that big data and advanced analytics pose for privacy as more data from diverse sources can be collected and analyzed. Technology alone cannot protect privacy.
3) Several major European laws and regulations related to privacy, including the EU Data Directive and upcoming General Data Protection Regulation. National statistical laws must also be considered.