The Slovak Interior Ministry’s €60 million school surveillance project, aimed at bolstering security in response to bomb threats, has prompted strong concerns over privacy, data collection practices, and transparency. Experts warn that the large-scale biometric data collection could undermine privacy rights for millions of Slovak citizens, including students, staff, and visitors.
Privacy Concerns and Data Collection Risks
The project, led by Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok, envisions installing thousands of cameras equipped with facial recognition technology across Slovak schools. This AI-driven surveillance system would record, analyse, and store biometric data on students, staff, parents, and even passers-by, building a centralised database that critics argue could lead to significant privacy violations. Progressive Slovakia (PS) has expressed deep concerns, with defence expert Peter Bátor pointing out that similar projects were trialled and abandoned in France and Sweden due to privacy risks associated with massive centralisation of biometric data.
According to PS, the system’s broad data collection scope creates unprecedented risks, especially in a school setting where minors’ privacy is paramount. The Ministry of Interior has assured the public of GDPR compliance, stating that the system’s data collection and processing will be secure and transparent. However, Michal Šimečka, leader of PS, questions whether the Slovak public can fully trust the government with sensitive data handling. “Do we really trust this government, particularly the Minister of Interior and the head of the Slovak Information Service, to guarantee the integrity of these data?” he asked.
Legal Questions Over Parental Consent
The system’s approach to data collection has also raised legal concerns regarding the need for parental consent. Legal expert Matúš Mesarčík clarified that parental consent is not required, as the system falls under law enforcement authority and is justified under public safety interests. However, Mesarčík emphasised that without robust legal safeguards, such a project could compromise minors’ rights. He highlighted the need for stringent measures to protect children’s data and called for independent oversight, especially in a context where vast amounts of personal data are processed.
The EU’s upcoming AI Act, set to come into effect in February 2025, mandates that high-risk systems undergo rigorous human rights assessments and independent judicial oversight to prevent potential misuse. While the Ministry maintains that the project will comply with GDPR, the current legislative framework lacks sufficient protections to ensure the safety and integrity of data collected from minors.
Broader Privacy Implications and Centralisation of Data
Privacy advocates and political opposition argue that the project’s centralised data storage raises major ethical concerns. Critics warn that Slovakia’s approach could be compared to surveillance practices in countries like China, which involve extensive state monitoring and centralised biometric data storage. Peter Bátor of PS suggests that such a surveillance framework could ultimately lead to data misuse or potential cyber threats. He and other privacy experts stress that mass data centralisation is inherently risky, particularly for sensitive biometric information.
PS members have called for transparency regarding the project’s technical specifics and safeguards, demanding that the government outline how it will prevent potential misuse of the centralised data. They warn that by adopting a high-surveillance approach, the government risks normalising invasive monitoring in public institutions, which could erode public trust.
Political and Ethical Opposition
The surveillance proposal has triggered strong political backlash, with PS and other opposition figures demanding that resources be reallocated to address core issues directly affecting school safety, such as mental health support, anti-bullying programs, and crisis intervention services. PS MP Tina Gažovičová argued that investing in extensive surveillance does little to address root causes of school security risks, such as student well-being and trust in school staff. She advocates for a focus on supportive school environments over invasive monitoring, suggesting that surveillance alone cannot prevent complex social issues like bullying and radicalisation.
In response, Interior Minister Šutaj Eštok has dismissed PS’s objections as “fearmongering,” but he did not address specific concerns regarding privacy or data handling. Gažovičová and other PS members continue to call for greater legislative scrutiny of the project, emphasising that the government should prioritise measures that promote student safety without infringing on personal privacy.
Need for Transparency and Legislative Oversight
With substantial funding at stake and potential impacts on civil liberties, Slovakia’s school surveillance project continues to face critical scrutiny. Calls for parliamentary review and additional legislative protections underscore the growing concern over privacy risks and data centralisation. As the project awaits further legislative examination, opposition leaders and experts are urging the government to ensure that its pursuit of security does not compromise fundamental rights.
Based on articles 1, 2, 3 by Matúš Zdút | Source: Denník N, published between 5 October and 5 November.
