The European Data Protection Board, the EU’s umbrella organisation overseeing the application of EU data protection rules across the bloc, has voiced its concern over the suspension of EU data protection rights in Hungary.
In early May, the Hungarian government put forward plans to suspend obligations to a number of protections outlined in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), as part its new emergency powers passed as a result of the coronavirus outbreak in the country.
Speaking to reporters on publication of the EDPB’s 2019 annual report on Monday (18 May), Chair Andrea Jelinek noted her concern at the recent move by the Hungarian authorities.
“I am personally very worried at the suspension of several articles of the GDPR by the Hungarian government,” Jelinek said, adding that suspending EU data protection law amid the current public health crisis is “not recommended” by the EDPB.
Specifically, the Hungarian government is seeking to put on hold a series of rights outlined in the GDPR, including rights to access and erasure of personal information.
There has also been a relaxation on the obligation of authorities to notify individuals when personal data is being collected, for the cause of coronavirus case prevention.
In addition, citizens who raise a complaint or seek a judicial remedy will have to wait until the end of the state of emergency period is over, before they can begin proceedings.
Responding to a question from EURACTIV on Monday, Jelinek also said that the Hungarian supervisory authority has informed the EDPB of the measures taken as part of the GDPR suspension, but that the board “considers further explanation necessary” on the “necessity and proportionality” of the new measures.
Jelinek added that the EDPB is…
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