The Greek Personal Data Protection Authority (PDPA) has levied fines against the Greek Ministry of Interior and New Democracy MEP Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou for their involvement in breaching data protection laws during the “email-gate” scandal. This comes after an inquiry into allegations that Asimakopoulou sent unsolicited emails to Greeks living abroad before the European Parliament elections. The investigation revealed that a file containing 25,000 voter details, including emails, was leaked and used for mass campaign emails, violating data protection laws. Asimakopoulou, initially denying the allegations, provided inconsistent explanations about the source of the email addresses.
Consequently, the Ministry of Interior faces a substantial fine of 400,000 euros, while Asimakopoulou is fined 40,000 euros by the PDPA. The investigation also extends to Nikos Theodoropoulos and the New Democracy party, with the PDPA deferring its decision to further analyze new claims. The breach of data privacy laws not only resulted in financial penalties but also led to significant repercussions within the political sphere, including the resignation of officials and calls for the Interior Minister’s resignation.
The scandal has sparked widespread outrage, with Greek diaspora voters expressing surprise and concern over the unauthorized use of their private data for political campaigning. Asimakopoulou’s decision not to contest in the upcoming European Parliament elections underscores the impact of the scandal on her political career. Additionally, the PDPA’s investigation has prompted opposition parties to demand accountability from the government, with calls for the resignation of Interior Minister Niki Kerameos.
The PDPA’s findings highlight the importance of safeguarding personal data and upholding data protection regulations, especially in political contexts. The repercussions of the “email-gate” scandal extend beyond financial penalties, impacting public trust in political institutions and emphasizing the need for stringent enforcement of data privacy laws. The controversy underscores the broader challenges associated with maintaining data integrity and privacy in an increasingly digital and politically charged environment.
