Critics voice doubts over German data storage plan

The planned collection and compilation of information on personal behavior in a nationwide employee data bank has drawn a strong rebuke from Germany's official data protection commissioner, Peter Schaar.

Citing privacy concerns in an interview for the weekend edition of the Thueringer Allgemeine newspaper, Schaar ripped into the plan, which is to take effect in January, calling it "unconstitutional."

The project, known as "Elena," will store information on personal employee activities, such as the participation in legal industrial action, absenteeism at work, or employer reprimands on as many as 40 million workers registered with the German national pension fund system.

Bildunterschrift: Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift:  Germany's data protection chief Peter Schaar strongly opposes the plan

New data bank is 'excessive'

Elena is the German acronym for electronic remuneration verification, but will be storing more than just an individual's income and tax information. Beginning in 2012, Germany's social welfare authorities will also be able to use this data to assess whether to pay out or refuse the distribution of benefits.

Schaar said the plan "exceeds the limits of legitimacy" and urged lawmakers to revamp the legislation.

Petra Pau, a member of parliament from the opposition Left party, accused the government of suffering from an "excessive collection mania."

gb/dpa/AFP/AP

Editor: Kyle James