The recently released Government Sector Assessment by the Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens (AP) shows that knowledge of privacy laws and regulations within government organizations leaves much to be desired.
In some cases, the position of the data protection officer (FG) is even under pressure. Government organizations sometimes deliberately overstep the boundaries of the AVG. "Municipalities not only have the task of maintaining public order in the physical space, but also have to respect the interests of citizens in the digital space," according to the sector picture. The privacy watchdog is concerned about the privacy culture within municipalities. Especially in the security domain, the AVG is often seen as an obstacle.
The AP points to the increasing use of (mobile) camera surveillance. "The (temporary) filming of public areas can have an enormous impact on the privacy of citizens. It is therefore important that camera surveillance always meets the requirements of 'subsidiarity' and 'proportionality,'" the AP said.
Click here for the Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens's Government Sector Assessment.
