Hungary: Commissioner in charge of the protection of personal data increases the respect of employees’ private life

“Indispensable” data for performing a job. In this opinion, the Commissioner confirmed in writing the current practice that employers must not handle employee data, unless such data is “indispensable” for accomplishing the purposes of employment. This prohibition also extends to the data of candidates for a job. He called attention to the Constitutional Court’s guidance regarding the “right to informational self-governance” based on which all persons must be allowed to decide whether or not to disclose or authorize the use of their personal data. Regarding the labor relation, the commissioner has always taken the position that data-handling by the employer inevitably casts doubt on the genuine voluntary character  of the employee’s consent, and that employers must not handle personal data unless such data is indispensable for accomplishing the purpose of data-handling. The recent opinion states that questioning employees about their personal life qualifies as the handling of personal data. The legality of such questions must always be subject to strict scrutiny since in hierarchical relationships, such as an employment relationship or a job interview, the inevitable defenselessness of respondents limits their opportunity to refuse to answer questions and to calculate the consequences of disclosing their personal data.  
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

f the employee’s consent, and that employers must not handle personal data unless such data is indispensable for accomplishing the purpose of data-handling. The recent opinion states that questioning employees about their personal life qualifies as the handling of personal data. The legality of such questions must always be subject to strict scrutiny since in hierarchical relationships, such as an employment relationship or a job interview, the inevitable defenselessness of respondents limits t

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
Seven major companies offer training to raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence
L’Oréal, Engie, LVMH, Publicis, Accor and Orange are encouraging their staff to take part in the Safe Spaces training programme on domestic and sexual violence, developed by insurance...
10 November 2025
Romania: collective agreement extended to entire insurance sector
On 3 November, Romania’s National Tripartite Council for Social Dialogue approved the extension of the collective labour agreement signed on 23 May by the Confederation of Employers in the...
United Kingdom largely retained within scope of EWCs despite Brexit, study shows
A study published this month by the Institute for Economic and Social Research, the French trade union research organisation, examined how the involvement of British representatives in European...
Spain: government approves creation of ‘intern status’
The Spanish government has paved the way for the creation of a new status for "persons undergoing non-professional practical training in companies, institutions or public or private organisations...
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Germany: pensioners in work already common practice, study shows
As the German government steps up measures to encourage people to stay in work beyond the legal retirement age, a new study by the Institute of Economic and Social Research (WSI) – an independent...
2
Spain: government approves creation of ‘intern status’
The Spanish government has paved the way for the creation of a new status for "persons undergoing non-professional practical training in companies, institutions or public or private organisations...
3
France: social conference on labour and pensions to proceed without main employers’ group
The preparatory meeting ahead of the social conference on labour and pensions, which is set to decide on the pension system model and the funding thereof, was held on 4 November at France's labour...
4
Luxembourg: two pension reform bills submitted to parliament
After lengthy negotiations with the social partners, in mid-October the Luxembourg government submitted two bills to parliament aimed at reforming the pension system to ensure its long-term...
5
Candice Guillot (Talan): “Our recruiters save just over 80 hours per year on administrative tasks thanks to AI”
Candice Guillot, group director of employee experience and HR performance at Talan (7,000 employees), outlines for mind RH her vision and strategy for introducing artificial intelligence at the...