Financial Crime World

Consent Impossible to Obtain: Personal Data Processing in Russia

MOSCOW - A shocking revelation has emerged, highlighting the difficulties of obtaining consent for personal data processing in Russia. According to sources close to the matter, authorities have identified numerous scenarios where obtaining consent from individuals is either impractical or impossible.

  • Processing of personal data by medical professionals for specific medical purposes
  • Data collection and processing by public societies and religious organizations
  • Processing of data for child adoption or foster care purposes
  • State and municipal bodies collecting data about prior convictions
  • Processing of biometric data in certain situations

Experts have expressed concerns that these scenarios may violate the fundamental right to privacy and data protection enshrined in Russian law.

Lack of Transparency and Accountability

Furthermore, it has been revealed that even when consent is theoretically possible, authorities may not be obligated to provide information to individuals about how their personal data is being processed. This includes:

  • Failing to notify individuals of the purposes and legal bases for processing
  • Not providing information on the identity of data processors

The situation has raised concerns among civil liberties groups, who argue that the lack of transparency and accountability in personal data processing undermines trust in institutions and erodes individual rights.

Calls for Greater Transparency and Regulation

“It’s a perfect storm of opacity and lack of accountability,” said a spokesperson for the Russian Civil Liberties Union. “Individuals are being left in the dark about how their personal data is being used, and authorities are not held accountable for their actions.”

The issue has sparked calls for greater transparency and regulation in the processing of personal data in Russia.

Latest Developments

On July 31, 2017, an advisory body issued non-binding guidance on drafting privacy and data protection policies that comply with Russian law. However, critics have argued that this guidance falls short of providing sufficient clarity and protection for individuals.

In response to the controversy, authorities have been urged to take immediate action to address the concerns raised by civil liberties groups and ensure that individuals are protected from unlawful processing of their personal data.

What’s Next

The Russian government has announced plans to review its personal data laws and regulations in light of the recent developments. However, critics remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these reforms in addressing the underlying issues.

As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: obtaining consent for personal data processing in Russia may be impossible, but it’s essential that authorities take steps to ensure transparency and accountability in this critical area.