GYLA calls for investigation into facial recognition camera usage during protests by Interior Ministry

The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) has urged the Personal Data Protection Service to investigate the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ (MIA) use of facial recognition cameras amid ongoing protests against the Government’s decision last year to halt EU cessation talks until 2028. GYLA has expressed concerns regarding the legality of accessing information stored in a special electronic program and whether the access levels align with personal data protection standards.

In a statement, GYLA emphasized the need for an inspection, citing the increasing violations of the right to assembly. The organization called on the Personal Data Protection Service to conduct a thorough assessment of the Ministry’s practices.

The key points of concern raised by GYLA include whether a data protection impact assessment was carried out before implementing facial recognition technology.

The extent to which actions taken against collected data are recorded.
Whether the Ministry’s organizational and technical security measures comply with existing legislation.

The legality of access to information stored in the special electronic program and whether access levels are compatible with data protection standards.