- Enforcing jurisdiction
- Italy · Geography does not establish applicable law.
- Confirmed applicable legislation
- Privacy topics
DPA case no. 9860487 – Violation Found (Italy, 2023)
Privacy enforcement record
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An Italian newspaper published sensitive health information about a mafia boss, which led to an investigation by the Garante. The authority found that the newspaper violated privacy rules by not respecting the principle of essentiality. This case underscores the need for media outlets to balance public interest with individual privacy rights.
What happened
A newspaper published health information about a mafia boss without adhering to privacy principles.
Who was affected
The mafia boss whose sensitive health information was published by the newspaper.
What the authority found
The Garante ruled that the newspaper did not comply with the principle of essentiality in processing sensitive health data.
Why this matters
This case serves as a reminder for media organizations to carefully consider privacy rights when reporting on sensitive topics. It reinforces the need for responsible journalism.
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Automated check recorded — 18 October 2026.
Processing notes: articles corrected, national law identified.
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A mafia boss was caught after 30 years of hiding during a medical treatment in a private hospital. A newspaper published detailed information on his state of health and more specifically about the fact that he was terminally ill. The Italian DPA intervened to ascertain whether the processing of personal data was legitimate. The Italian DPA stroke a balance between freedom of information and right to privacy. Health data are sensitive data covered by Article 9 GDPR. According to Article 137 of the Italian Data Protection Code, health data can be processed without the data subject´s consent provided that the controller complies with the principle of essentiality of information and the facts are of public interest. In addition, the controller shall respect the deontological rules governing journalism. In the present case, the Italian DPA found that the principle of essentiality was violated. Thus, it imposed the temporary limitation of processing concerning data already published and equivalent ones.
Outcome
Violation Found
The DPA found a violation but did not impose a fine.
Related Enforcement Actions (0)
No other enforcement actions found for DPA case no. 9860487 in IT
This is the only recorded action for this entity in this jurisdiction.
Details
Decision Date
18 January 2023
Authority
Garante per la protezione dei dati personali
GDPRhub ID
gdprhub-5721About this data
Cite as: Cookie Fines. DPA case no. 9860487 - Italy (2023). Retrieved from cookiefines.eu
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