Vlad Filat urges increased protection for personal data

Prime Minister Vlad Filat is requesting increased protection for personal data and is recommending subsidizing the issuance of biometric passports to low-income people, after visiting the Ministry of ICT and the State Information Resource Center “Registru”, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to the prime minister, in the last few years Registru has earned itself a rather negative reputation, after it signed a contract with a private firm called “Metrompas” for the printing of invoices and other documents. “By coincidence or not, that firm was founded by persons closely related to ex-president Vladimir Voronin”, said Vlad Filat. That wouldn't be a concern, says the premier, if there hadn't been state printing companies that could have taken those orders of millions of lei or if an invitation of bids had been called to select the company. “I think the problem was in the secrecy method of managing this agency. I'm calling on you to be transparent and extremely responsible in doing your job. I also wish that the personal data would have a higher level of protection”, said the premier, recalling that the past activity of Registru is being investigated by the prosecutors. Vlad Filat also highlighted the need to start issuing biometric passports from January 1, 2011, a requirement for Moldova before the EU could ease the visa regime. It was estimated that the cost of a biometric passport would exceed 1,000 lei, in contrast to 250 lei for a standard passport. ICT Minister Alexandru Oleinic said the final price will be known after an auction is held to select the winning company. The EU has already offered Moldova €2m for purchases of equipment for this purpose.