We would like to respond to opinions of certain experts voiced through television regarding the changes made to the regulations on making the photo-shoot while state border crossing. One of the major tasks in Visa Liberalization Action Plan was to bring personal data protection standard in line with European norms.
In the moment of crossing EU zone, photo-shoot is one of the types of personal data collection which is undergone to everyone crossing the state border; however the purpose of the photo-shoot and term for data storing were not defined. Herewith, permanent video surveillance is held at all border crossing points while various methods for person identification are applied during passport control procedures, including the access to the data, stored at State Services Development Agency electric database (which includes access to photos stored in it).
After having consulted with Personal Data Protection Inspector and taking into account the EU member states’ experience, Ministry of Internal Affairs has made changes to the mentioned method, in particular: data storage term was defined by the law and occasions when to apply various methods for identifying a person, including photo-shoot and processing of various biometric data.
Newly enacted standard on the photo-shoot, which envisages applying the mentioned method only in the cases defined by the law, is in full compliance with legislation on personal data protection and provides proportionality and adequacy of the data procession and does not damage the interests of state security.
The changes are in line with European standards and internationally recognized principles on protection of personal data which was once again confirmed by European Commission in Georgia's Visa Liberalization Action Plan Assessment Report, stating that Georgia has successfully fulfilled personal data protection requirements.
