SaS Files Criminal Complaint Regarding Energy Aid-related Personal Data Leak

Bratislava, 25 March (TASR) - Opposition MP Karol Galek (Freedom and Solidarity/SaS) told a news conference on Wednesday that he's filed a criminal complaint with the Prosecutor-General's (PG) Office regarding the suspicion that personal data of Slovak citizens was unlawfully handled within the framework of energy aid provided by the Economy Ministry. Galek did so in connection with the leak of a list of more than 20,000 private individuals that contained the first names, surnames and personal identification numbers of people who had explicitly stated that they didn't consent to their data being disclosed. "We'd been warning the Economy Minister Denisa Sakova (Voice-SD) for a long time that data could be leaked. The fact that it was the personal data of people who explicitly didn't want the state to collect them has been leaked is unacceptable," stated Galek. In his motion, Galek wants the PG Office to examine whether the crime of unlawful handling of personal data has been committed and to take the required steps to protect the public. "As an MP, I have a duty to stand on the side of citizens and protect their rights. I'm ready to provide full cooperation to the law-enforcement authorities," added Galek. SaS representatives reported on the existence of the list on Monday (23 March). The Economy Ministry at that time conceded that SaS was in possession of material that was apparently obtained in an unlawful manner. "We believe that it's fulfilled all legal obligations arising from such a situation and that, in addition to the political use of this issue, it's also taken concrete steps to protect the individuals whose personal data it allegedly holds," stated the ministry. At the same time, the ministry said that it expected SaS to hand over the entire USB data carrier, along with the envelope in question, to the law-enforcement authorities as part of the criminal complaint for expert examination. The Economy Ministry has also declared that it's thoroughly examining the situation regarding the leak of personal data from its records and is fully cooperating with the relevant authorities. It's been in contact with the National Security Bureau (NBU) and has ordered an expert probe in this regard. ko/df