A comprehensive data privacy law in Belarus has moved a step closer following the bill’s second reading in the lower chamber of parliament.

The House of Representatives has adopted the legislation, with the aim of improving privacy and ensuring the rights and freedoms of individuals in the processing of data.

The proposed legislation defines the general concept and categories of personal data, the principles and conditions of working with it and determines the procedure for cross-border transfer of that information. There are also additional guarantees against arbitrary and uncontrolled collection, storage, use, distribution and other processing of personal data of individuals.

The bill consolidates the rights of personal data subjects and responsibilities of state bodies, legal entities and individuals when working with personal data. It also specifies liability for violation of personal data legislation. In addition, the bill prepares the way for an authorised body to protect the rights of personal data subjects.

“The adoption of this law will ensure an appropriate level of personal data protection and will  promote the development of business, trade and economic relations of the Republic of Belarus with other states,” the state’s news portal, Pravo, said.

Under the country’s constitution, the draft law will go to the Council of the Republic, the upper chamber, for ultimate approval or rejection.

At-a-glance: Belarus’ draft personal data protection law 

The draft law provides for:

  • definition of the general concept and categories of personal data, principles and conditions for working with them; 
  • determination of the procedure for cross-border transfer of personal data; 
  • consolidation of the rights of subjects of personal data and the obligations of state bodies, legal entities and individuals in the field of working with personal data; 
  • establishment of additional guarantees against arbitrary and uncontrolled collection, storage, use, distribution, provision and other processing of personal data of individuals; 
  • the procedure for creating an authorized body for the protection of the rights of subjects of personal data and its powers. The creation of the said body is entrusted to the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus together with the Operational-Analytical Center under the President of the Republic of Belarus within three months after the official publication of the relevant Law; 
  • responsibility for violation of legislation on personal data.

 

 

 

 

Topics