Data protection warns: WhatsApp and false parkers criticized!

Data protection warns: WhatsApp and false parkers criticized!

The North Rhine-Westphalian Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information, Bettina Gayk, has published the 30th activity report of her authority today. The extensive report includes 216 pages that deal with a variety of topics such as the Internet, media, video surveillance, schools, authorities, health sector, advertising, living, economy and associations. In the various areas, warnings, recommendations and complaints are given in order to improve the data protection law framework, such as Dewezet.de reported.

A central topic of report is dealing with false parkers in cities. The authorities ask the citizens to send photos of incorrectly parked vehicles with car license plates, whereby data protection does not prevent the punishment of these violations in this context. The preparation and passing on of such images is legally permissible, which extends the possibilities to effectively monitor traffic monitoring.

risks in the use of messenger services

The topic of using messenger services such as WhatsApp received special attention. Gayk warns of carefree handling; The processing of personal data is non -transparent. The use of WhatsApp for official messages is criticized by the North Rhine-Westphalian authority. Educators and civil servants who do not participate in WhatsApp groups, risk, to be excluded, which could hinder their professional integration. The Federal Data Protection Officer Ulrich Kelber makes it clear that the use of WhatsApp is excluded by authorities and refers to historical data transmission problems between WhatsApp and Facebook. Despite the end-to-end encryption, there are concerns that metadata such as IP address and location data from Facebook are recorded and passed on, such as drd datenschutz.de executed.

Another problem results from the transmission of sensitive data, such as electricity meter readings, via WhatsApp, which is considered to be questionable under data protection law. The report calls for a rethink, especially in view of the diverse legal uncertainties in this area.

changed practice in witness information

In the context of police work, the practice has also changed in terms of transport accidents with regard to the passing on of witnesses. While the witnesses have been passed on to everyone involved in the past, this procedure is now illegal. Data may only be passed on with the express consent of the witnesses to protect their personal rights.

The report also criticizes the use of emotion analysis software in call centers without information from customers. This practice is regarded as a massive violation of personal rights and illustrates the handling of artificial intelligence in everyday life.

digital participation and analog lifestyle

A no less important topic is the guarantee of the digital participation of all citizens. The discussion about the right to an analogous life is gaining in importance. There must be no discrimination against people who have no access to the Internet or smartphones. The representative finds that there is a legal need for action to promote the participation of all citizens.