The Money Laundering Data Bureau gained access to bank account statements. This was not permitted by law. This was done in approximately 2000 cases.
A complaint was filed with the Chancellor of Justice. The complaint stated that some government agencies have access to bank account data. For example, they can find out what transactions have been made. But the law does not give them the right to do so.
The law allows the Money Laundering Data Bureau to obtain only limited data. For example, whether an account exists or when it was opened. But account statements must not be obtained.
The question is also whether the agencies used the data correctly. This is not yet known precisely. However, it is known that in 2000 cases, statements were obtained without legal permission.
Why do such things happen in Estonia? The law says that data can be collected. But it is not clear who can do it. It is also not clear on what grounds.
The Chancellor of Justice believes that the problem lies in omission. Ministers and the parliament are not precise enough in the laws.
Currently, there is a situation where a lot of data is being collected. This happens both in businesses and in the state. Technology is developing rapidly. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss how to use data.
It is important to find a balance. On one hand, technology must be used. On the other hand, people's rights must be protected. This must be discussed publicly and clear laws must be made.
Currently, some important rules are not written into the laws. This is not a small problem. This is a very important question – whether officials are acting correctly.