CALL TO THE MEDIA: RESPECT THE PRIVACY AND PERSONAL DATA OF CITIZENS IN TRAGIC CASES

The Information and Privacy Agency, following recent publications regarding a tragic event in which a Kosovar family lost a relative in a severe accident, makes a public appeal to the media for reflection and respect of citizens’ privacy and personal data.

It has been observed that some media outlets have broadcast footage of the event and the emotional reactions of family members in moments of grief, with content that undermines the right to privacy, human dignity, and the basic principles of journalistic ethics.

The Information and Privacy Agency reminds that being a public person does not deny anyone the right to privacy, especially in times of personal and family grief. The publication of sensitive footage without the consent of the family constitutes a serious violation of human rights and legislation on the protection of personal data.

In this regard, the Agency requests from all media:

To immediately cease publishing and distributing materials that infringe on the privacy of the affected family without their consent;

To remove existing content containing footage of the event or family reactions published without their consent.

The Information and Privacy Agency calls on the media to respect the privacy and dignity of citizens, especially in moments of grief.