La Liga project violates data protection laws (again) – StadiumDB.com

Spain’s data protection authority has issued a firm letter to Primera División authorities warning that a program planned to identify fans’ faces is illegal. But why does La Liga need a system to recognize fans in stadiums?

La Liga wants to fight violence and discrimination

Violence against football players is on the rise, according to a FIFPRO report In recent years, more and more players are afraid of triggers and attacks. Spain’s Primera División is no different, where racism and insults are common. League officials want to do more than just gestures and slogans to end the problem.

At the December meeting of the EU Council’s Sport Working Group, La Liga representatives explained their action against hate in football based on: Education, prevention and response. They went on to emphasize, in their view, the need for league authorities to: have legal authority to punish acts of hatred, racism, xenophobia, or intolerance;.

© CA Osasuna | Estadio El Sadal

Noble intentions, poor execution

La Liga put out a tender for the following system: Recognize the face of a fan who committed a crime motivated by prejudice to punish them. This led to a response from the Spanish Data Protection Authority (AEPD), which indicated that: Such software may violate data protection laws.

The letter, signed by AEPD Chief Mar España, high risk Why use the system? Analyze biometric data. Before implementing your solution, you must verify that it meets the following prerequisites: appropriateness, necessity, proportionality We confirm the nature of the measures taken and that the data thus obtained is appropriately protected, particularly as confidential information.

AEPD also suggested the use of less intrusive solutions, stressing that: La Liga should first discuss the planned measures, ensure that there is a viable rationale for such a system, and only then invite bids. Not the other way around.

© House Meister Ground Hopping | Colosseum

This is not the first time such a “mistake” has been made.

Spain’s top flight authorities have repeatedly come under fire for their controversial approach to data protection and privacy. In 2019, it was revealed that microphones and location data were used to check whether bars frequented by users of the official La Liga app were broadcasting unauthorized matches. .

At the time, La Liga claimed: The app only turned on the microphone for a short time and checked the audio Match broadcast. I never recorded anything or listened to any calls. feature is experimental It worked after the user agreed to access the microphone. Nevertheless, AEPD believes that the request for consent to access does not comply with the guidelines; La Liga fined 250,000 eurosthe league was unable to appeal.

The introduction of spectator identification systems into stadiums appears unlikely, at least for the time being. Still, it is surprising that La Liga has been so reticent to introduce such far-reaching solutions.

© Marco Almbauer (cc: public domain) | San Mamés Barrier