Greece’s Personal Data Protection Authority (PDPA) has levied a fine of 40,000 euros (approximately 64,639 AUD) against the ruling New Democracy (ND) party. The decision made on Tuesday, October 22, stemmed from the party’s inadequate measures to safeguard the personal data of numerous Greeks living abroad, following an inquiry related to the “email-gate” scandal.
The investigation was prompted by complaints from expatriate Greeks in March, who alleged that former New Democracy MEP Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou sent unsolicited emails in advance of the European Parliament elections scheduled for June.
In addition to the fine imposed on ND, the PDPA ordered two former party officials to each pay 10,000 euros (16,158 AUD). Nikos Theodoropoulos, the former Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, and Menios Koromilas, the Organising Secretary of Local Government and Crisis Management, were penalised for using and leaking a list of approximately 25,000 voters to Asimakopoulou.
The PDPA cleared former Interior Ministry General Secretary Michalis Stavrianoudakis of wrongdoing, determining that the data leak from the ministry originated from an unidentified individual. Stavrianoudakis had resigned after the leak came to light.
Furthermore, the PDPA issued a substantial 400,000-euro fine (646,232 AUD) to the Ministry of Interior, along with the 40,000-euro penalty for Asimakopoulou due to their respective breaches of data protection laws. Asimakopoulou has appealed the fine, arguing that it is excessive.
Criminal investigation is ongoing over possible violations of personal data regulations.
Source: Ekathimerini.
