"Computerworld" asks about the borders of privacy, 16 April 2010

GIODO referred the comments above inter alia to the project of introducing a new ID card (pl.ID), providing for integration of various IT systems functioning in administration, which contain personal data related to citizens, and providing for electronically encoding a lot of data on the ID card. – However, I learned about these plans only from the press – added Michał Serzycki, the Inspector General for Personal Data Protection. – Therefore, I have already addressed the author of the solutions included in this project, i.e. the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration, with the request for explanations in this case.

GIODO takes the view that repeated collection by public authorities of the same data stored in already existing registers shall be limited, and, at the same time, the security of this type of mega-base with data on citizens shall be taken into account. Moreover, it should be emphasised that the responsibility for the processing of personal data in case of using integrated bases by various institutions will be dispersed, which will hamper the control over unauthorised access to such resources.

When asked whether the employer could monitor his employees, GIODO stressed the need to remember about the employees’ right to privacy. He also indicated that it was extremely important to determine the scope and methods of control and to ensure their adequacy in relation to the purpose intended by the employer.

The interview was conducted in connection with the Conference „Freedom and Safety. Between us Neighbours”, of which GIODO has taken honorary patronage and which will be held on 10 and 11 June 2010 in Szczecin, Poland.