Ombudsman urges media not to publish the names of persons in quarantine

The ombudsman institution has asked the media not to make public the identity of persons in quarantine.

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Ombudsman urges media not to publish names of persons in quarantine

Pristina, 04 April 2020, the People's Avocacy has waited with concern to publish some news from portals that have published lists of tables containing names and surnames, and many other information, for persons who have been ordered to be quarantined because of the coronary.

These publications contradict many legal standards, and also in some regulations dedicated to media self-regulation. Kosovo's constitution regulates this issue very well, and in particular Article 36 [United Rights], Law No. 06/L-082 For the Protection of Personal Data, Law No. 04/L-125 for Health, and Law No.,2004/38 for Citizens' Rights and Responsibilities in Health Care.

The ombudsman addresses portals to remove these news so that they are not re-published by other portals. The lawyer also asks the media and journalists to do more for the protection of personal data of persons in isolation, quarantine, diagnosed with Ovid 19 and hospitable, in addition to those accorded with the person's consent.

The media are playing a big role in this, sending journalists as well as to the front lines to distribute relevant information to the public. The media also have its obligations to meet according to the Ethical Code and other self-regulated documents.

Lawyer underlines recent recommendations by the Kosovo Media Council ( KMSK) for all media about their reporting on the situation with COVID-19.