THE MAYOR OF MOSCOW WAS ACUSED OF ILLEGAL COLLECTION OF DATA ON REMOTE EMPLOYEES

This fall, in connection with the increase in the number of cases of coronavirus infection, the office of the Mayor of Moscow published a requirement to transfer some of the companies’ employees to remote work, as well as to provide the officials with the employees’ personal data.

The list includes phone numbers, transport cards and cars information (if there are any). IT companies were initially outraged because of this situation, but the Ministry of Digital Development, which made an inspection, reported that there were no violations of rights.

Now, two organizations at once decided to challenge the innovation in court: Roskomsvoboda and the Fund for the Development of Digital Rights. The companies filed a lawsuit against the Mayor’s office with a corresponding claim.

According to the applicants, the requirements violate not only the legislation on personal data, but also the Labor Code, and what is more, go against the legislation on organizing the provision of state and municipal services.

According to the representatives of Roskomsvoboda, the violation of employees' rights is expressed in the fact that the purpose of the personal data provision was not announced. In addition, if we talk about the expediency of the event, this cannot be confirmed in any way.

However, the companies are subject to fines and even suspension of operations for refusing to comply with the prescribed measures.