MPs given right to snoop on private data
Although blessed with a range of privileges already, MPs have been granted even more rights after it was revealed yesterday that the country’s privacy watchdog has decided to give them the power to peruse sensitive personal data. The Hellenic Data Protection Authority (APPD) granted deputies access to any document that is linked to a public matter they are looking into, even if it means that the MP is then party to someone’s private details. The ruling came about after a request by an MP to be allowed to check the details of candidates applying for high level management jobs with the main social security fund, IKA. The ruling comes as somewhat of a surprise since the APPD, and independent body, tends to guard privacy rights strictly and has, for example, banned authorities from using CCTV cameras to monitor anything other than traffic.
