A Polish court affirmed a fine against Polskie Radio Szczecin for data protection violations related to reporting on a sexual assault case involving the son of MP Magdalena Filiks.
Radio Szczecin Penalized for Data Protection Lapses
In March of last year, the Office for Protection of Personal Data (UODO) fined Polskie Radio Szczecin over 56,000 złoty for failing to implement procedures protecting the rights of individuals featured in its publications.
On Wednesday, March 18th, UODO President Mirosław Wróblewski announced that the court had confirmed the legality of the decision.
Case Details: Reporting on Sexual Assault and Victim Identification
The case stemmed from a report detailing the conviction for sexual assault, revealing that the victim was the son of Member of Parliament, Magdalena Filiks. The reporting method allowed for the identification of the child.
Following the disclosure of the assault, the victim tragically died by suicide.
Findings of the Data Protection Audit
The audit revealed that the radio station, as a data administrator, had not conducted a risk analysis for data processing operations related to its editorial activities. It also failed to adhere to its own data protection documentation and did not implement data security measures ensuring confidentiality.
There was a lack of clear procedures for handling journalistic materials containing personal data, specifically regarding verification before publication to avoid infringing on individual rights or legal regulations.
Response from UODO and Radio Stations
Wróblewski stated that the goal is not punishment, but rather improving the operational systems of local Polish Radio stations.
He reported receiving confirmation from all regional radio stations that procedures have been implemented and training conducted, leading to a significant improvement in the public radio system.
Context: Death of Mikołaj Filiks and Online Harassment
In February 2023, sixteen-year-old Mikołaj Filiks took his own life, potentially influenced by online harassment. The harassment intensified after Radio Szczecin, TVP Info, and other media outlets aligned with the United Right government published materials regarding Krzysztof F., who was convicted of assaulting Mikołaj when he was 13 years old.
F. received a nearly five-year prison sentence in December 2021, following a trial kept confidential to protect the victim.
Separate Incident: Gdynia School Restricts Toilet Access
In a separate matter, a school in Gdynia has limited student access to toilets during class time due to misuse, including gatherings and e-cigarette use.