Milan, 28 Oct. (LaPresse) – In an emergency order, the Data Protection Authority has blocked the images of the 11-year-old boy filmed during the clashes in Milan – which involved looting and vandalism – over the weekend of 17–18 October. The order was issued by the President against two television broadcasters and four online news outlets, and imposed a temporary restriction on the processing of personal data and images of the 11-year-old involved in the unrest in Milan during the recent demonstrations. The television reports and online articles have, in various ways, disclosed the images, age, neighbourhood, school attended and other personal details. These elements make the child identifiable, with potentially serious repercussions for his development. The Data Protection Authority, according to a statement, “recalls that a child’s right to privacy always takes precedence over the right to report the news, whatever the child’s role in the events described. The public interest in reporting on events can be satisfied without exposing the children involved”. The owners of the images must report the measures taken within three days. The Authority has also “warned anyone that the further dissemination of such content may constitute a breach of privacy legislation”. “Any further assessment remains subject to the outcome of the preliminary investigation”, the statement concludes.
Protests: Data Protection Commissioner blocks images of 11-year-old during clashes in Milan
Milan, 28 Oct. (LaPresse) – In an emergency order, the Data Protection Authority has blocked the images of the 11-year-old boy filmed during the clashes in Milan – which involved looting and vandalism – over the weekend of 17–18 October. The order was issued by the President against two television broadcasters and four online news outlets, and imposed a temporary restriction on the processing of personal data and images of the 11-year-old involved in the unrest in Milan during the recent demonstrations. The television reports and online articles have, in various ways, disclosed the images, age, neighbourhood, school attended and other personal details. These elements make the child identifiable, with potentially serious repercussions for his development. The Data Protection Authority, according to a statement, “recalls that a child’s right to privacy always takes precedence over the right to report the news, whatever the child’s role in the events described. The public interest in reporting on events can be satisfied without exposing the children involved”. The owners of the images must report the measures taken within three days. The Authority has also “warned anyone that the further dissemination of such content may constitute a breach of privacy legislation”. “Any further assessment remains subject to the outcome of the preliminary investigation”, the statement concludes.