The Tunisian Forum for Digital Rights, chaired by Shouki Kadam, has expressed deep concern over the increasing trend of publishing sensitive personal data of individuals 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 forum has called for legal and moral accountability for those who publish such information online.
The forum has noted that the publication of personal and sensitive data, including images of children, leaked judicial documents, and videos of minors who are victims of sexual crimes, is a worrying trend. Despite ongoing investigations, the identities of suspects and victims are being shared on social media. The forum has urged the authorities to intervene urgently to stop the publication of such information and to investigate the sources of leaked documents.
The forum has emphasized that children, whether victims or suspects, are entitled to special protection under Tunisian law, including the law on personal data, the child protection code, and the penal code. The forum has stressed that the best interests of the child should be the primary consideration and that proceedings related to children should be kept confidential. The publication of images of minor victims is considered a second attack on them.
The forum has also highlighted that the use of images of minor victims to condemn or blame them reflects a rejected culture that holds the victim responsible for the crime. The forum has emphasized that a child suspect retains the guarantees of special justice for children and that their identity should not be disclosed, regardless of the severity of the alleged acts. The forum has called for the restoration of the National Authority for the Protection of Personal Data.
The forum has urged citizens and social media users not to re-publish any images, names, or documents related to minors, victims, or suspects. They have also called for reporting any violating content and for the platforms to quickly and transparently remove infringing content. The forum has emphasized that the protection of personal data is a constitutional right in Tunisia.
The forum has noted that this right is enshrined in the fundamental law on the protection of personal data, which guarantees the right of every citizen to protection, regardless of their status as a victim, suspect, or person involved in a judicial investigation. The forum has called for raising awareness about the legal and moral responsibility for publishing sensitive personal data online.
The forum's statement has sparked a national debate about digital rights and the protection of personal data in Tunisia. The authorities are expected to take concrete measures to address the issue and ensure that those responsible for publishing sensitive information are held accountable. The case highlights the need for greater awareness and education about digital rights and responsibilities in Tunisia.
Key points
- The Tunisian Forum for Digital Rights calls for accountability for publishing sensitive personal data online.
- The forum urges the authorities to intervene urgently to stop the publication of sensitive information.
- The protection of personal data is a constitutional right in Tunisia.
