The new EU's General Data Protection Regulation, commonly known as GDPR, is bringing nothing but complications and potential room for bullying, wrote the TASR press agency, citing heads of Slovak Regional Governments and Municipalities. They pointed to absurd situations which the regulation has brought about.
Peter Fitz, Mayor of the western Slovak village of Šenkvice said that one of the local citizens had celebrated their hundredth birthday, however, this fact including his date of birth cannot be written into the village's chronicle. Fitz respects the GDPR, but believes that some things are just beyond the line.
Another Mayor, Roman Maroš from the western Slovak town of Stupava said that disillusionment took over during preparations for the regulation, pointing out the scared reactions of workers in the education system for example. "We will fulfil our duties, however, it is probably impossible to talk about the change in a positive manner," said Maroš.
Peter Šváral, the Mayor of another the western Slovak village - Rohožník - said that the directive would only bring more bureaucracy and opportunity for controls, which will be able to push around people from both public and private sectors.
Michal Sýkora, head of the Association of Towns and Communities of Slovakia said that the "introduction of the new rules is accompanied by ambiguity, uncertainty and also fear of an unwanted breach of legislation." Sýkora also added that he would ask the Office for Personal Data Protection for cooperation.
The GDPR came into force on May 25th. It should allow EU citizens to delete their personal data stored by online suppliers and operators of social media. Věra Jourová, European Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality said that its goal was for people to have their personal data under control, to know who has it at their disposal, how is it used and whether it is being monetized.
