The Tunisian Forum for Digital Rights, chaired by Shouki Kadad, has expressed deep concern over the increasing trend of publishing sensitive personal data on social media platforms. This data includes information related to crimes, sexual life, and health, which the forum believes should be protected and only processed in accordance with the law. The organization has called for immediate legal and ethical accountability for those who publish such data.
The forum's statement, released on Saturday, highlighted the alarming frequency of sharing personal and sensitive information about individuals on social media. This includes images of children, leaked judicial documents, and videos of minors who are victims of sexual crimes. The organization has urged Tunisia's public authorities, including child protection officials, to intervene urgently to stop the publication of minors' images and data.
The forum has demanded that authorities investigate the sources of leaked judicial documents, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure that victims and their families receive psychological, social, and legal protection. They have also called for cooperation with digital platforms to swiftly remove infringing content and launch awareness campaigns on the legal and ethical responsibilities of publishing personal data.
According to the forum, children who are victims or suspects in crimes are entitled to special protection under Tunisian law, including the Personal Data Law, the Child Protection Code, and the Penal Code. The organization's statement emphasizes that the best interests of the child and the confidentiality of related procedures must be respected.
The forum has criticized the practice of publishing images of minor victims, describing it as a secondary assault. They argue that using these images to condemn or blame victims reflects a rejected culture that holds victims responsible for crimes. Furthermore, the organization stresses that suspected minors should not be publicly identified or stigmatized.
The Tunisian Forum for Digital Rights has also called for the reactivation of the National Personal Data Protection Authority, which has been inactive despite being established by law. The organization believes that the authority should be granted independence and necessary resources to effectively carry out its role in protecting personal data.
The forum has urged citizens and social media users to refrain from sharing images, names, or documents related to minors, victims, or suspects. They have also encouraged users to report any infringing content and emphasized that protecting personal data is a constitutional right in Tunisia, guaranteed by the 2004 law on personal data protection.
Key points
- The Tunisian Forum for Digital Rights is pushing for accountability and protection of sensitive personal data published online.
- Authorities are urged to intervene and prevent the misuse of personal data on social media platforms.
- The protection of minors' data and rights is a priority, in accordance with Tunisian laws and international agreements.
