Concern over the lack of experience in personal data of nominee to head Public Information Agency

The Association for Civil Rights (ADC) presented its observations on the nomination of Beatriz de Anchorena as the candidate to head the Agency for Access to Public Information (AAIP), at the public hearing held on February 25. Although we acknowledge her professional background in the public sector, her lack of experience in personal data and her affiliation to the Instituto Patria raise questions as to her suitability and independence.

The management of this agency must not only ensure transparency and the encouragement of citizen participation but also safeguard Argentinians’ personal information. Deep knowledge and experience in data protection are crucial to the task. “The need for a proper direction of the AAIP is even more urgent if we consider the different events that show the Argentinian government’s failure to adopt policies on personal data protection and information security,” states ADC in its presentation.

On the other hand, we hold concerns about her affiliation to the Instituto Patria, since this space “is identified with a particular political movement that today forms part of the Executive, which the Agency has a duty to control in its daily activity”.

“We do not seek to give an opinion on her political views, but to point out that the complex issue of personal data protection and the relationship between government, the private sector, and the public policies that link them will require a candidate with a vision that allows reconciling the different interests of these actors”, remarked ADC.