Filming and photographing officials for personal use is allowed, but publishing on the internet is not, the Latvian Human Rights Bureau reported.
For this (posting on social media), an administrative fine is provided, and in some cases, criminal liability may also arise. The exception for publication is if there is an obvious violation by the official that the public needs to know about, explained the Ombudsman’s Office.
They clarify: filming, photographing, and publishing material solely because a person is an official is an insufficient basis. Such an action is a serious intrusion into private life, which is permissible only when the official clearly violates the law and the public needs to know about it.
The State Data Inspectorate, together with the Ombudsman’s Office, has developed recommendations for processing data of officials when these individuals are filmed, photographed, or their voices are recorded, and the obtained materials are broadcast or published on the internet.
"Our goal is to ensure fair, open, and people-friendly governance," notes Ombudsman Karina Palkova.
The Ombudsman’s Office explained that the need for recommendations has increased as situations occur more frequently where ordinary residents photograph those in power without an objective reason.
State human rights defenders also added that the recommendations apply not only to state and municipal officials but also to employees of other institutions who work daily with clients and may find themselves in situations where their actions are being filmed.
Additionally, it is noted that the most well-known state figures in Latvia include President Edgars Rinkevics and Prime Minister Evika Silin. We hope that her view from behind (see photo) does not constitute an invasion of the Prime Minister's privacy.
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