Greece: Migration ministry fined for data breaches in migrant camps

The Greek migration ministry has been fined for data protection breaches in its migrant camps, the news agency Agence France Press reported yesterday (April 3). 

In a statement, the country’s independent watchdog Hellenic Data Protection Authority said the fine had been imposed due to “serious shortcomings” in the ministry’s compliance with data protection rules.

The watchdog also said it found “a lack of cooperation on the part of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum”. 

The fine, which amounts to some 175,000 euros (190,053 dollars) is the largest fine ever imposed on a Greek government body to date, reported local news agency Balkan Insight. 

Surveillance and monitoring in migrant camps

According to local Greek media reports and EU documents, the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum reportedly developed and installed a surveillance system to control reception and accommodation structures for third-country citizens. 

One of these systems, called the Hyperion, is reported to be an integrated entry-exit control system. Asylum seekers, certified members of NGOs and other guests are required to present cards read by a Radio Frequency Identification reader combined with a fingerprint. This system is said to capture and process personal and biometric data.

In its statement, the Hellenic Data Protection Authority said requests from the European Parliament’s committee on civil liberties and the UN refugee agency prompted the examination of the ministry’s digital security management system and entry and exit control measures at migrant camps.

The Greek ministry has been given three months to comply with the rules. It did not respond to an email sent by InfoMigrants requesting comment.  

Read more: Greek migrant camps ‘malfunctioning’ and ‘overcrowded’ warn NGOs – InfoMigrants 

Asylum seekers in Greece 

According to data from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), more than 10,500 people arrived in Greece since the start of the year. The vast majority of the arrivals are by sea. Overall, most of those seeking asylum in Greece are from Syria, followed by Afghanistan.

In January of this year, 22% of all applications for international protection from Afghanistan were lodged in Greece, as documented by the European Union Agency for Asylum.