Based on information in the media, the Personal Data Protection Service began investigating the facts surrounding the confiscation of voter ID cards.
According to the information released, the Personal Data Protection Service began studying the facts mentioned in the article published in the same media outlet about the processing of voter’s data.
As stated in the statement published, not a single appeal or statement submitted within the jurisdiction of the service to study the legality of processing personal data during the electoral process was left unanswered.
“The protection of personal data is particularly important in the election process because data relating to a voter’s political views are a special category, and a higher standard is applied to protect them. The Personal Data Protection Service is a priority because of the parliamentary election of 2024.
On the basis of this, the Personal Data Protection Service began to investigate the information published in the article by the same media outlet about the processing of voter’s data. The service also echoes information that has been made public by various sources regarding the confiscation of voter identity documents during the election period.
The Personal Data Protection Service is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Georgian Law “On Personal Data Protection”. Law enforcement agencies will investigate and respond to criminal acts defined by the Criminal Code. In this case, as confiscation of voter identification documents is likely an action defined by the Criminal Code of Georgia. Responding to it falls outside the scope of the Personal Data Protection Service’s competence.
We would also like to inform the public of the fact that no application or appeal made within the jurisdiction of the service in order to study the legality of processing personal data during the electoral process has been left unanswered. The service is currently investigating a number facts of alleged violation of the rules set out by the Georgian law “on personal data” in the election process.
The processing of personal data of voters during the election process is a sensitive matter, and all organizations and entities involved must act in a way that takes into account the voter’s interests. The Personal Data Protection Service actively monitors the issue of protecting voters’ personal data in the election process, and will respond accordingly if there is any illegal processing.
Media and opposition representatives are spreading information that voter identification cards are being removed or their personal numbers obtained.
During the electoral period, these facts can be used to influence or prevent voters from voting.
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