Since February 2022, the number of servicemen has significantly increased. In this regard, the protection of personal data of military personnel — who belong to a particularly vulnerable category — has become even more relevant. The data of these individuals require an enhanced level of protection. The protection of personal data during mobilization has also become extremely important, and therefore the best solution is to seek legal advice from a military lawyer.
Personal data is confidential information and therefore belongs to a category with restricted access. Personal data may include any information that identifies or can identify an individual, such as: surname, first name, patronymic, address, phone numbers, passport details, nationality, education, marital status, religious or ideological beliefs, health status, financial situation, date and place of birth, etc.
Relations concerning the protection and processing of personal data are regulated by the Law of Ukraine “On the Protection of Personal Data.” Although the law does not contain separate provisions regarding military personnel, it is important to consider the following principles:
- The purpose of processing personal data must be clearly defined in laws, regulations, statutes, founding or other documents that govern the activities of the personal data controller, and must comply with personal data protection legislation.
- The processing of personal data of military personnel related to racial or ethnic origin, political, religious or ideological beliefs, membership in political parties and professional unions, criminal records, health, sexual life, biometric or genetic data is permitted if necessary for maintaining military records of conscripts, military-liable individuals, and reservists.
- Every person has the right to know the sources of collection, the location of their personal data, the purpose of processing, as well as the location or residence of the controller or processor of personal data, and to receive information about the conditions of access to their personal data for other persons.
The requirements for processing and protecting personal data are also defined in the special procedure of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. The following personal data databases are provided:
– servicemen,
– employees,
– civil servants,
– military-liable individuals,
– conscripts,
– reservists,
– persons discharged from military service,
– veterans of military service and war.
As you can see, there are many nuances, and everyone should understand and properly protect their rights. Therefore, we are ready to help you protect yourself from the unlawful use of your personal data.
During wartime, the protection of personal data may seem like a secondary issue. However, it should not be neglected, as the uncontrolled distribution of personal information about military personnel may pose a serious threat to their safety.
