Human Rights Defender Considers Widespread Violations of Personal Data Protection Rights Unacceptable

The Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan deems the widespread violations of the right to personal privacy and personal data protection unacceptable, as well as the lack of adequate measures to prevent these violations. This was stated in a press release from the Human Rights Defender’s office.

“These rights are violated on a daily basis, but particularly gain traction in cases that attract public attention. Just weeks ago, in regard to one such case, the Human Rights Defender expressed public concern about the increase in violations of these rights, noting that incidents of interference in private lives often manifest through the illegal acquisition and/or dissemination of personal data or information about private lives.

Anahit Manasyan emphasizes that the collection of personal data or the dissemination of personal data in violation of the legally defined procedure not only contradicts the Constitution and international obligations but also constitutes a violation of several fundamental human rights. Such actions should lead to accountability as stipulated by law.

All entities play a role in the illegal acquisition or dissemination of personal data, and violations are pervasive in the Republic of Armenia. At the same time, the Human Rights Defender points out that the state is responsible for developing mechanisms to prevent these violations and, in cases of their occurrence, for holding individuals accountable.

Therefore, the Defender demands that competent state bodies properly investigate cases of violations of the right to personal privacy and personal data protection. The Defender also calls on all interested parties—state bodies, organizations, and citizens—to strictly uphold the guarantees of the right to personal data protection and the inviolability of private life by collecting and disseminating data solely on legally prescribed grounds and procedures.

The Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan highlights that any issue can become a subject of democratic debate, but this must not be done in a manner that contradicts the values of human rights. Respect for personal data protection and the inviolability of private life are not merely legal guarantees but values, the level of preservation of which also reflects the legal culture of the state and society.