Since 2018, when Homo Digitalis began its actions aimed at defending and promoting Human Rights, we have proven our unwavering support for the Right to Personal Data Protection in significant cases with a strong impact on our societies, through important legal interventions and complaints before the competent supervisory authorities, standing against public and private entities that violate the provisions of Law 4624/2019.
However, unfortunately, the use of provisions related to the protection of personal data is often employed in a way that leads to significant challenges for freedom of expression and information and poses risks to our Democracy, even violating the exceptions provided by law.
Therefore, as a Civil Society organization, we would like to once again declare our unwavering support for Freedom of the Press. We stand by the journalists of Omnia TV and their investigative work, opposing SLAPP practices.
As explicitly stated in Law 4624/2019, Article 28, the right to personal data protection must be reconciled with the right to freedom of expression and information in the context of processing for journalistic purposes. Specifically, among other cases, such processing is allowed when the right to freedom of expression and the right to information outweigh the right to personal data protection, especially for matters of general public interest or when it concerns personal data of public figures. Additionally, within this framework, the processing is limited to what is necessary to ensure freedom of expression and the right to information, taking into account the subject’s right to privacy and family life.
With our stance, we must use the tools of legislation to safeguard and promote Human Rights, respecting the legal balances and limitations each time. The use of strategic lawsuits will never limit our Rights and Freedoms, as long as the competent judicial authorities fulfill their mission.
Our statement is also available in press release format here