Religious Organizations Are Not To Register Data Bases of Their Members and Workers

Alterations to the Law of Ukraine "On the Protection of Personal Information," which shorten the list of religious organizations subject to it, have come into effect, reported the Institute for Religious Freedom (IRF).

The amendments stipulate that the “owner of personal information” is released from the responsibility to register personal data bases connected with ensuring and realization of labor relations” (Article 9 of the Law).

This also applies to data bases of members of public, religious organizations, trade unions and political parties which are also released from the responsibility of registration.

Religious organizations may process personal information regarding religious and worldview beliefs of citizens only “with appropriate protection ensured.”

The alterations were introduced by Law № 5491-VI of 20.11.2012 which came into effect on 20 December. Prior to that, Bill 10472-1 was vetoed by the president. However, Viktor Yanukovych signed it after taking into account by the Parliament of remarks regarding the text.

Registration of personal data bases will be carried out on the application basis.

Let us remind the readers that the adoption in 2010 of the Law of Ukraine "On the Protection of Personal Information" caused a lot of criticism regarding its practical application, particularly from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-MP and the Council of Churches.