Due to frequent reports of violations of the right to privacy and personal data protection, our organization has submitted three proposals for oversight and one letter to the Commissioner for information of public importance and personal data protection for the implementation of measures within his jurisdiction. The violation of the provisions of the Law on Personal Data Protection is particularly concerning as it has been committed by government bodies.

We have submitted a proposal for oversight of the application of the Law on Personal Data Protection by cities, municipalities, and schools. Several municipalities and cities across Serbia have acquired equipment with facial recognition capabilities, and this equipment has been installed in primary schools in these areas. These cases represent one of the most serious violations of the Law, as they involve the surveillance of children, a particularly vulnerable group.

Furthermore, based on the Law on Personal Data Protection, we have submitted a proposal to the Commissioner to conduct oversight of the city of Kraljevo due to the illegal procurement and use of video surveillance equipment. Additionally, in this request, we pointed out the specific characteristics of the installed equipment, as well as the use of video camera recordings in court proceedings.

In the second half of May 2024, we submitted a proposal for oversight of the Municipal board of Voždovac of the Serbian Progressive Party, regarding the application of the Law on Personal Data Protection. Specifically, the Municipal Board of Voždovac, as part of the election campaign for the upcoming local elections, produced a promotional video showing the collection of citizens' signatures in support of the Serbian Progressive Party's electoral list. The video clearly shows personal data of citizens in several frames. These personal data can easily be misused, and their unlawful processing can lead to serious violations of individuals' rights.

We also submitted a letter requesting action regarding the excessive processing of personal data of citizens applying for student aid for the 2024/2025 school year, provided by the City of Belgrade. In the implementation of the Decision on student aid for families with school-aged children in the territory of Belgrade, the city requires parents to submit a photocopy of the front side of their payment card. This information is not necessary for processing the request and can additionally make citizens more vulnerable to financial fraud.

We will continue to highlight violations of the Law on Personal Data Protection through our work and will regularly inform the public about these issues.