The Forum Chawki Gaddes for digital rights has sounded the alarm over the proliferation of publications on social media that reveal personal and sensitive data, including photos of children and judicial documents. This has prompted the organization to call for urgent action from the authorities and the reactivation of the National Instance of Personal Data Protection (INPDP).
According to the Forum, the handling of data related to health, sexual life, or offenses is strictly regulated by law, and their public disclosure constitutes an illicit act that can lead to the legal liability of those responsible. The organization is particularly concerned about the public exposure of minors who are victims of sexual crimes, which it considers a second aggression that can further harm and unjustly guilt-trip the victims.
The Forum Chawki Gaddes also condemns the dissemination of the names and images of minor suspects, whose identity must be protected under the Child Protection Code, the Penal Code, and relevant international conventions. The organization is urging child protection delegates to intervene immediately to have this content removed, in coordination with digital platforms.
The Forum is calling for in-depth investigations to identify and sanction those responsible for leaking judicial documents. It also recommends providing psychological, social, and legal support to victims. Furthermore, the organization emphasizes the need to reactivate the INPDP and ensure it has the autonomy and necessary resources to carry out its missions.
The Forum Chawki Gaddes invites the public to participate in awareness campaigns and refrain from sharing protected personal data. The organization recalls that the protection of personal data is a fundamental right enshrined in the organic law of July 27, 2004. This right must be guaranteed to all citizens, whether they are victims, suspects, or individuals involved in judicial investigations.
The proliferation of personal data on social media in Tunisia has significant implications for the country's digital landscape. The Forum's warnings highlight the need for greater awareness and regulation of online content.
To address these concerns, the authorities are expected to take concrete steps to enforce existing laws and regulations. The public is also encouraged to exercise caution when sharing personal data online and to report any instances of data breaches to the relevant authorities.
Key points
- The Forum Chawki Gaddes has called for the reactivation of the National Instance of Personal Data Protection (INPDP) to address the proliferation of personal data on social media.
- The organization has condemned the public exposure of minors who are victims of sexual crimes and the dissemination of the names and images of minor suspects.
- The Forum has urged the authorities to conduct in-depth investigations to identify and sanction those responsible for leaking judicial documents.
