The President of the Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO) in Poland has raised questions with the Chief Commander of the Border Guard, General Robert Bagan, regarding potential cases of border guards using access to the PESEL database for private purposes. The letter inquired whether the commander is aware of such situations and what steps have been taken to clarify and prevent them.
Unauthorized Checks in the PESEL Database
According to media reports, Border Guards officers made unauthorized checks in the PESEL database. Personal data was allegedly used to check neighbors, acquaintances, or addresses of celebrities. Importantly, such actions had no connection with official duties and could have affected hundreds of people.
Radio Zet first raised the issue on November 5th, reminding that the matter was identified already in 2022. Since then, an explanatory procedure has been conducted by the Internal Affairs Office of the Border Guard and the District Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw.
PDPO’s Reaction
The President of PDPO, concerned about the scale and nature of the breaches, has taken steps to clarify the matter. In a letter to the Chief Commander of the Border Guard, he demanded detailed explanations. After receiving them, the supervisory body will conduct an analysis aimed at assessing potential violations of personal data protection and officer’s liability.
The actions of the PDPO highlight the seriousness of unauthorized access to databases such as PESEL, which contain sensitive personal data of citizens. The President of the Office emphasises that such incidents are treated with the utmost seriousness, as they can lead to serious breaches of privacy and trust in public institutions.
Consequences of the Violations
If the reports of abuses are confirmed, the matter could have serious legal consequences both for the officers and for the entire Border Guard. Possible sanctions include both criminal liability and administrative financial penalties.
The President of PDPO reminds us that access to databases should be strictly limited to official purposes and any breach of the rules must meet with an adequate response. It is expected that the Chief Commander of the Border Guard will present his explanations in the near future.
The case is of wide public interest, underlining the need to ensure transparency and accountability in access to citizens’ personal data.
Source: https://managerplus.pl/prezes-uodo-pyta-straz-graniczna-o-nieuprawnione-korzystanie-z-bazy-pesel-57725
