Moraes says PF investigation points to 'multiple illegal accesses' to data of ministers and relatives
The Supreme Federal Court of Brazil reported illegal access to the financial data of ministers and their families following a Federal Police operation targeting public servants.
The Supreme Federal Court (STF) of Brazil released a statement on Tuesday (17) following a Federal Police operation that targeted public servants suspected of leaking private information regarding public authorities and their relatives. The initial findings of the investigations indicate multiple illegal accesses to sensitive data through the Federal Revenue service's system, raising serious concerns about data privacy and security in the public sector. In its statement, the STF elaborated that these leaks were intended to create 'artificial suspicions' that can be difficult to dispel. They emphasized that the issue goes beyond individual violations of tax confidentiality; it involves a broader exploitation of sensitive information from public officials that is disclosed without proper context or judicial control. The court underscored the dangers of such practices, highlighting their potential to manipulate public perception and undermine trust in public institutions. This development is particularly concerning within the framework of ongoing investigations related to misinformation and the manipulation of data for political gain. The court's insistence on the necessity of maintaining strict control over confidential information reflects a critical need to protect not only the individuals involved but also the integrity of Brazilian democratic processes. The ramifications of these leaks and the accompanying investigations could have far-reaching implications for how data privacy, governmental transparency, and accountability are managed in Brazil.