Complaints regarding data protection are on the rise in Saxony.
In the past year, the data protection officer Juliane Hundert recorded about 1,260 complaints and suggestions concerning controls, marking an eight percent increase compared to the previous year. This upward trend reflects rising public awareness regarding personal data rights and privacy.
The issue of data breaches reached a new peak, with reported incidents surpassing 1,000 for the first time. According to Hundert, these breaches predominantly stemmed from incorrect mailings and the loss of postal documents.
Additionally, there was a notable increase in consultation requests, jumping from nearly 600 the previous year to 740. This indicates that citizens are keenly aware of their rights and are seeking guidance on how to navigate them.
"Data protection does not safeguard data, but people," stated Hundert. "Human rights are the founding values of our democracy, and when we data protection officers defend them, we are also defending our democracy." This statement underscores the crucial role of data protection within the framework of democratic principles.
Hundert highlighted the significance of artificial intelligence in data protection, asserting that this technology should not be viewed as separate from privacy concerns. The protection of personal data is a fundamental right in Germany and Europe, and it cannot be disregarded or left solely to AI companies and the data economy.
In light of this, the upcoming AI regulation in 2024 represents a critical step towards establishing a robust legal framework for a rights-based approach to AI. Hundert emphasized the importance of implementing this regulation effectively in Germany.
In the private sector, Hundert imposed 19 fines last year totaling 199,000 Euro. Some fines were significant, including two penalties amounting to 120,000 and 22,000 Euro issued to companies for serious breaches of their duty to cooperate with her office. Additionally, two other fines of 30,000 and 20,000 Euro were imposed for unlawful surveillance practices.
There were also 43 new proceedings opened in the public sector, resulting in fines and warnings totaling just over 14,500 Euro.
Hundert's report covers a wide range of issues, including a case where a regulatory office unlawfully photographed parent taxis outside a school. This example illustrates the need for heightened awareness regarding the sensitive handling of personal data.
Emphasizing the need for careful data management, Hundert remarked, "The personal data being processed today may be used for other purposes tomorrow, with far-reaching consequences for the individuals concerned. Therefore, data protection holds immense significance in our information-centric society."
The increase in complaints and fines signals a growing commitment to data rights and the protection of personal information within Saxony.
