Personal Data Protection Service refers 10 cases to law enforcement regarding calls from unknown numbers
In a related development, the body also referred to the issues surrounding the processing of special categories of data as stipulated in the recently adopted controversial law on the transparency of foreign influence and explained that such data processing was permissible only when “directly and specifically” regulated by the law, and when “deemed necessary and proportionate in a democratic society”. Photo via Personal Data Protection Service
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The Personal Data Protection Service received around 70 reports after several citizens were contacted on their personal phone numbers from unknown foreign and Georgian numbers, out of which 10 cases, containing elements of possible crime, were forwarded to law enforcement agencies for further investigation, the Service said on Sunday.
Since May 8, the citizens have received phone calls on their phone numbers regarding their protest of the controversial domestic bill on transparency of foreign influence, in which the unknown callers used “hateful and abusive” language towards them.
The Service noted that it was taking “all necessary legal measures” over these reports, including contacting relevant individuals to gather more information. The body added it had already applied to the mobile communication operators to request information on the owners of specific telephone numbers and the communication made through them.
In a related development, the body also referred to the issues surrounding the processing of special categories of data as stipulated in the recently adopted controversial law on the transparency of foreign influence and explained that such data processing was permissible only when “directly and specifically” regulated by the law, and when “deemed necessary and proportionate in a democratic society”.
The Data Protection Service recommended that future sub-legislative acts should “explicitly detail the necessity and scope of personal data processing”, as well as “clearly define the specific purpose” that justifies the legitimacy of such data processing.
The Service stressed the importance of “respecting the personal privacy and protecting the right to personal data as fundamental values in a democratic society”, and emphasised it was crucial to safeguard basic human rights and freedoms, including the right to personal and family life, personal space, and communication in any process involving personal data processing.