Data protection is a fundamental pillar of modern digital society, ensuring privacy, legal compliance, and safeguarding individuals against potential data breaches and misuse. As digitalization advances, the importance of securing personal information becomes even more critical.
The concluding panel discussions on monitoring the implementation of the Law on Personal Data Protection were held in Šabac, Vranje, and Leskovac, aiming to enhance awareness and facilitate dialogue among data controllers, civil society, and the media. These discussions were organized as part of a project supporting 15 selected local self-government units, playing a key role in informing citizens about their data protection rights and reinforcing public awareness.
Commissioner Milan Marinović, Deputy Commissioner Sanja Unković, and representatives of the Commissioner's Office actively participated in the discussions, focusing on the implementation of the Law on Personal Data Protection and exploring opportunities for its improved application. Commissioner Marinović provided an in-depth analysis of the current state of personal data protection in Serbia, while Deputy Commissioner Unković elaborated on the Commissioner's role, responsibilities, and key regulatory aspects. Experts from the Sector for Supervision of Data Protection and the Sector for Regulatory Harmonization also shared insights, contributing valuable expertise to the discussion.
Participants raised significant concerns about the digital security of records containing sensitive personal data, highlighting the risks posed by unauthorized access, data leaks, and cyber threats. One of the points of discussion was the biometric surveillance in public spaces, with participants questioning its implications for privacy and its alignment with data protection laws. The conversation also covered various practical challenges, emphasizing the growing need for strong legal frameworks and technological safeguards in the era of rapid digitalization and the increasing implementation of artificial intelligence.
The organization of the panel discussion is supported by the project "Strengthening the rule of law in the Republic of Serbia" (EU FOR THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION AND FOR FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS) jointly financed by the EU and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).