Sangiuliano case, Data Protection Authority on fine imposed on “Report”: ‘That audio recording was confidential’

Rome, 29 October (LaPresse) – Regarding the fine imposed on “Report”, ‘the main issue concerns the violation of the principle of essentiality of information which, in the case of telephone conversations, according to Article 15 of the Constitution, follows stricter criteria’. This is according to Pasquale Stanzione, president of the Data Protection Authority, in an interview with Corriere della Sera. Essentiality of information, he explains, means that “journalists must avoid disseminating superfluous personal data or details, focusing only on what is indispensable in terms of informing citizens about matters of public interest”. However, “Report” argues that the audio recording, in addition to being essential for understanding the facts, was legitimately acquired. But for Stanzione, ‘the proceedings did not reveal any intention on the part of former minister Gennaro Sangiuliano to allow third parties to listen to the conversation. This confirms its confidential nature’.