Due to the situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic, employers in order to continue their activity have seen as an alternative the use of “telework”, as an efficient way in such situations. During “teleworking”, as there is a possible deviation from standard activity processes, there is potentially a higher chance of intentional or accidental misuse of personal data.
Moreover, applying for the first time or increasing the use of “teleworking” tools, may raise as a problem the issue of taking additional measures related to data security by public and private controllers.
Consequently, there is a need for employers (personal data controllers) and data subjects to focus on issues of guaranteeing standards of storage, processing and security of personal data. In this framework, the Information and Data Protection Commissioner’s Office, pursuant to Law No. 9887/2008 “On the protection of personal data”, as amended, as well as following the publication of:
· “Guidelines on protection of personal data within the measures against COVID-19”;
· “Guidelines on processing of personal data in specific sectors within the measures against COVID-19”;
· “Guidelines on processing personal data in accordance with the COVID-19 Hygiene and Sanitary Protocols”
The Commissioner’s Office drafted as well, the “Guideline on processing of personal data during telework within the measures against COVID-19, to bring to the attention of each interested party some concrete aspects related to the protection of personal data during “telework”, from the situation created by the pandemic.
Every public and private controller in the Republic of Albania, during the exercise of his activity, is obliged to act in accordance with the legislation in force for the protection of personal data and can be referred for guidance within the fulfillment of legal obligations to this the guideline, which you consult in full in this regard (telework guide).