The Tunisian Forum for Digital Rights 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 are considered sensitive and require enhanced protection. The forum emphasized that publishing such data without proper authorization is illegal and raises serious moral and legal concerns.
The forum's statement highlighted the alarming frequency of personal and sensitive information being shared online, including images of children, leaked judicial documents, and videos of minors who are victims of sexual crimes. The forum called on public authorities, including child protection officials, to intervene urgently to stop the publication of images and data related to minors. They also demanded that investigations be conducted into the sources of leaked judicial documents and those responsible be held accountable.
The forum emphasized that children, whether victims or suspects, are entitled to special protection under Tunisian law, including the Personal Data Law, the Child Protection Code, and the Penal Code. This protection is based on the best interests of the child and the confidentiality of procedures related to them. The forum also pointed out that publishing images of minor victims constitutes a second attack on them and reflects a rejected culture that blames the victim for the crime.
The forum noted that the National Authority for the Protection of Personal Data, which has been frozen despite the law governing it being in force, needs to be reactivated and empowered with the necessary independence and resources to carry out its role. The forum urged citizens and social media users not to re-publish any images, names, or documents related to minors, victims, or suspects. They also called for reporting any violating content and raising awareness about the legal and moral responsibility of publication.
According to the forum, the protection of personal data is a constitutional right enshrined in the Basic Law No. 63 of 2004, which relates to the protection of personal data for every citizen. This right is not negated by what a person has been subjected to or what has been attributed to them. The forum stressed that publishing sensitive personal data on social media is an illegal processing that requires legal and moral accountability.
The forum's statement also highlighted the need for coordination with digital platforms to quickly and transparently remove violating content. They called for launching awareness campaigns on the legal and moral responsibility of publication and ensuring that victims and their families receive psychological, social, and legal protection and support.
The Tunisian Forum for Digital Rights reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights of individuals, particularly minors, and promoting a culture of respect for personal data and digital rights. The forum's call for action aims to promote accountability and responsibility in the digital sphere and ensure that the rights of all individuals are protected.
Key points
- The Tunisian Forum for Digital Rights calls for legal action against online publication of sensitive personal data.
- The forum urges authorities to intervene urgently to stop publication of images and data related to minors.
- The protection of personal data is a constitutional right in Tunisia.
