
Following the publication and distribution on social networks and online portals of some intimate materials of public figures in our country, the Office of the Commissioner for the Right to Information and Personal Data Protection, Besnik Dervishi, has reacted by calling on the media and internet users to stop their publication.
The Commissioner emphasizes that even public figures enjoy the right to privacy and that the public interest in private life does not in itself constitute a public interest justifying publication. The reaction also highlights that the fact that material has been previously published on the internet does not make its re-publication or redistribution lawful.
The Commissioner's Office warns of administrative and criminal measures against the illegal processing of personal data and demands the removal of intimate content published in violation of the law.
"Following recent publications in the media and social networks of allegedly intimate materials, the Office of the Commissioner for the Right to Information and Personal Data Protection calls on the media, portals and social network users to respect the private life and dignity of every individual.
Law No. 124/2024 “On the Protection of Personal Data” prohibits the processing of this content. Also, their publication and distribution is prohibited.
Being a public figure does not constitute a waiver of the right to private life. Curiosity about an individual’s private life is not sufficient to justify its publication as a matter of public interest. Freedom of expression and information must be exercised in compliance with the conditions of Article 43 of the law, including necessity, proportionality and the protection of the essence of fundamental rights.
The fact that material circulates on the internet does not make it legal to republish it. Any redistribution may increase exposure and harm to affected individuals and their families.
Anyone who unlawfully processes personal data is subject to administrative and criminal measures.
"The Commissioner's Office calls for the cessation of the publication and redistribution of intimate materials in violation of the law and for the removal of illegally published content," the Commissioner's Office writes.