Parliament backs new law to boost internet privacy in Pridnestrovie

In Pridnestrovie, a new law will protect the privacy of the internet and all other forms of electronic communication

TIRASPOL (Tiraspol Times) - Lawmakers from Pridnestrovie's Parliament ensured on Tuesday that the unrecognized country will adhere to EU standards for data privacy protection from now on .

The Electronic Communications Bill introduced in Parliament will safeguard the rights of Internet users and other users of electronic communications by guaranteeing secrecy and protecting their emails and other communications from snooping.

The new law contains provisions about the secrecy of databases of subscribers of electronic communications services and defines electronic communications privacy, including internet privacy. From now on, it will be mandatory for all service providers of internet and telephony to protect the privacy of all calls and other electronic data routed through their systems, regardless of the origin or destination of the data. Failure to do so will bring fines, temporary closures and, in a nod to the system of Swiss bank secrecy, the possibility of jail as well.

Internet privacy and data protection

To avoid the potential for government abuse, emails and phone calls and any other form of electronic information will now be protected by a "double vault" system of privacy protection: Communications data of any form can now only be released by the order of a Prosecutor and after the release has been sanctioned by a court order.

" - It means double control," reports the Parliamentary press service, answering the question of 'who watches the watchers.' The new bill will also require the registration in Pridnestrovie of all companies offering electronic communications services.

Any government interference with a person's privacy is only acceptable for the court if three conditions are fulfilled: 1. The interference is in accordance with the law; 2. The interference pursues a legitimate goal; and 3. The interference is necessary in a democratic society.

Compliance with EU data laws

The law brings Pridnestrovie into compliance with the requirements of the European Commission's directive on data privacy.

" - The bill that is under consideration in Parliament regulates many aspects of life of every citizen and activities of telecommunications companies," says MP Anatoly Potolya, the PMR Parliament's Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for industry, agrarian policy and natural resources.

Pridnestrovie is not a member of the European Union (EU) or of the European Economic Area. Therefore the EU Directive on the protection of personal data is not applicable in Pridnestrovie. However, as a state which sees itself as sovereign Pridnestrovie's legislature is free to voluntarily and unilaterally bind itself to the provisions of the EU Directive.

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