Personal Data Protection Office discusses code of conduct for local government units

On 4 July 2024, representatives of the DPA met with the Association of Voivodeships of the Republic of Poland, represented by attorney-at-law PhD Magdalena Kuszmider. The meeting was another in a series of meetings organised by the President of the Personal Data Protection Office to support local government units in the implementation of their obligations related to personal data protection.

The meeting was opened by Monika Krasińska, Director of the Case Law and Legislation Department, who discussed the activities planned by the Personal Data Protection Office with regard to cooperation with local government and governors, which have already begun (including a meeting with Paweł Adamowicz Union of Polish Metropolises) and will continue, including in individual voivodeships.

Representatives of the code initiative attending the meeting raised key issues relating to the processing of personal data in the context of the performance of tasks by local government. They indicated the reasons that justify the need to develop a code of conduct for this sector. The representatives of the Personal Data Protection Office explained the procedures for the approval of such codes by the President of the Polish SA and indicated how to properly consult the draft code of conduct. They pointed out that consultations must be conducted in a fair manner with all stakeholders. In addition, the employees  of the Personal Data Protection Office discussed in detail the principles on which the mechanism for monitoring compliance with the code by its members should be based. It is also mandatory for codes dedicated to public entities (seethe page 88. of the EDPB Guidelines 1/2019).

‘Local government is characterised by a high degree of multitasking at all levels. Harmonising the system of data protection procedures and practices will greatly simplify the work of local governments and raise the level of personal data protection. I encourage representatives of local government units to join the initiative.’ - said Konrad Komornicki, Deputy President of the Office for Personal Data Protection.