For RMF FM on privacy of cell phone subscribers, 17 December 2009

That was the opinion expressed by Michał Serzycki, the Inspector General for Personal Data Protection (GIODO) during the talk with Kamila Biedrzycka from RMF FM radio. The journalist asked for comment in connection with the plan of the Ministry of Infrastructure to oblige cellular telephony operators to collect information allowing phone geo-location. The introduction of such solution is provided for in the so called Data Retention Directive    2006/24/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006. GIODO believes that the Directive excessively limits the right to privacy of cell phone subscribers. This view is also shared by the citizens of other states. Michał Serzycki quoted as an example the recent case in Germany where 35 thousand people brought a class action against the provisions of the Act obliging cell phone operators to collect billings (but not contents of calls or SMS) and to disclose them to authorities for investigation purposes. The signatories to the action object against „unlimited registration of daily life of innocent citizens who are not posing any threat”. Kamila Biedrzycka asked GIODO as well about the plan of the Ministry of Education to change the principles of operation of the Education Information System. Michał Serzycki informed that he had a meeting in this case with Minister Katarzyna Hall in order to develop such solutions which would allow the Ministry of National Education to realise its needs, without violating the right to privacy and personal data protection of students and educational staff.