The state could make use of mobile-network providers' localisation services in order to protect public health during the current crisis, Prime Minister Igor Matovič (OLaNO) conceded on Tuesday, adding that an amendment to the corresponding law will be presented via fast-track proceedings. The prime minister gave assurance that the data can only be used to protect public health. They will not be publicly available but will be used only by the Public Health Office. Valuable information, according to Matovič, is defined as, for example, where an infected person was moving, while at the same time it is possible to identify people who have very similar habits. "Those people who have often moved, plus or minus, in the same place a person who has been infected with coronavirus has also moved, will be warned and may be advised to have a medical examination. These are good practice examples from abroad," said Matovič.
According to Justice Minister Maria Koliková (Za ľudí) this measure is related to the protection of public health and it should be in place until the end of this year. "We realize that this is an infringement of fundamental rights and freedoms, let's not pretend it is not. In a democratic state an interference with fundamental rights and freedoms is possible if the measure is proportionate to the purpose," she said adding that in principle, data are needed for six hours only.
