Serbian Commissioner orders military to end data collection

NEWS 18.05.201810:36
Fonet

Serbia’s Information Commissioner on Thursday ordered the Defence Ministry to stop collecting and processing personal data from temporarily seized mobile phones and other devices.

Commissioner for Public Information and Personal Data Protection Rodobljub Sabic warned the Defence Ministry that the constitution protects the inviolability of communications and only allows access to them under court orders. That means that written consent signed under ministry orders is not legal permission to process data.

The Defence Ministry ordered the temporary seizure of mobile phones and other communication devices in places which are classified as secret. Military personnel are instructed to sign consent forms, allowing access to their devices. The Commissioner warned the ministry that the practice is in violation of the rights of a large number of people and should be banned.