The Commissioner for Information of Public Interest Rodoljub Sabic estimated that the Privatization Agency, by once again publishing the list of several tens of thousands of citizens which, in addition to the names, surnames and parent names, contained the citizens' identification numbers (JMBG) has, once again, seriously and massively violated the privacy of people and the right to protection of personal data. The Commissioner judges such an action by the Agency as extremely irresponsible, bearing in mind that the Agency was previously warned that by publishing the said list it would violate not only the provisions of the law, but also the fundamental, generally accepted principles in the area of personal data protection.
In that respect, Commissioner Rodoljub Sabic said:
"Personal data, and I repeat that once again, are something that is not to be treated by anyone at his/her own discretion and judgment. Regarding the use thereof, the fundamental principle is that data processing, even when provided for by the law, is allowed only for the intended purposes and to the extent necessary for realizing such purposes. The publication of the JMBG of several tens of thousands of citizens is not legally provided for, nor is it necessary and in any case it is in contravention of the elementary standards of personal data protection.
Two weeks ago, when the Agency published for the first time the list including the citizens' identification numbers, I have reacted publicly and warned the Agency that it should refrain in the future from similar actions, because what it did, although probably without ill will, was a serious breach of privacy of a large number of citizens. However, repeating the same thing is objectively an indication of ill will, because one may not qualify otherwise deliberate disrespect of citizens' rights.
Each case of conscious and deliberate disrespect with constitutionally and legally guaranteed citizens' rights is something that deserves special attention and should be condemned. Such actions should be reacted to with the proper measures, including raising the issue of accountability of those behind it. In the concrete case, the Commissioner for Information of Public Interest still does not dispose with objective capabilities for the above, but it does expect the Government of Serbia to undertake the appropriate steps. The Commissioner shall, in that respect - since it is a massive violation of human rights - address the Ombudsman, who will, I believe, within the framework of his authority, undertake the necessary measures."
