Last year, the Data State Inspectorate (DVI) in Latvia received 1,034 complaints regarding breaches of personal data processing, highlighting issues such as unjustified access to e-health data and illegal employee surveillance.
In Latvia, the Data State Inspectorate (DVI) reported receiving 1,034 complaints in 2022 concerning violations of personal data processing. Among these, significant issues were identified, including unjustified access to e-health data, public disclosure of police-held information in chat rooms, and illegal surveillance of employees in rest areas. The DVI undertook 1,396 inspections during the year, leading to in-depth investigations in 266 cases that uncovered 143 breaches of data protection regulations.
The upward trend in the number of inspections and accompanying complaints is attributed to growing public awareness regarding data security concerns. Many complaints focused on individual incidents rather than systematic violations, indicating a fragmented issue rather than a widespread problem. Social media platforms and websites were highlighted as frequent sources of complaints, with users reporting breaches related to personal data handling more than any other category of infringement.
The DVI's report suggests that corrective measures were implemented in 62 cases, with 50 breaches rectified during inspections. Meanwhile, 17 cases were closed as insignificant. The increasing vigilance from the public regarding their personal data rights indicates a shift towards a more proactive approach in protecting private information, emphasizing the need for organizations to adhere strictly to data protection regulations and enhance their transparency.
