Data State Inspectorate Guidance on Data Protection Impact Assessment (NIDA)

On 25 February, the Latvian Data State Inspectorate published guidelines on conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (NIDA). The guidelines delineate the process for identifying and managing risks associated with personal data processing, emphasising the importance of compliance with data protection principles and regulations. The document provides detailed instructions on assessing the legality and necessity of data processing activities, identifying potential risks, and implementing me...

Official materialNational StrategyOfficial source · dvi.gov.lv ↗

29 JUL 2022 · Policy / Guidance

Guidance on difference between pseudonymised and anonymised data

On 29 July 2022, the Data State Inspectorate (DVI), Lithuania's privacy protection agency, published guidance on the difference between pseudonymised and anonymised data under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The DVI stated that pseudonymisation involves replacing identifying information with pseudonyms, whereas with anonymised data such information has been removed altogether. While anonymised data is not covered by the GDPR, the DVI points out that pseudonymised data could be ...

Official materialNational StrategyOfficial source · dvi.gov.lv ↗

16 JAN 2022 · Other

Investigation into e-commerce websites regarding use of cookies

On 18 January 2022, the Data State Inspectorate of Latvia closed its investigation into cookie usage. The preventative investigation started in 2021 and scrutinised the usage of cookies on 29 websites (belonging to 26 online merchants). Compliance with the conditions for the use of cookies on the website was verified, including the use of marketing, statistical and analytical cookies, and compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation and the Information Society Services Act, which re...

Official materialNational StrategyOfficial source · dvi.gov.lv ↗

10 SEP 2021 · Other

Data Protection clarification for evidence found in relevant audio and / or video recordings

The Data Protection authority of Latvia or "Data State Inspectorate" provides a clarification for situations in which a person asks for a recording of a conversation or video in which it is involved. Mostly, this situation occurs when a person needs evidence found in the relevant audio or video recordings that are necessary to protect a particular legitimate interest. As an EU Member State, Latvia is subject to the General Data Protection Regulation, in which Article 15 provides data subjects...

Official materialNational StrategyOfficial source · dvi.gov.lv ↗

13 AUG 2021 · Law / Act

Data protection requirements in Latvia Code of Conduct Supervisory Authority regulation

A consultation on the draft law on the Code of Conduct Supervisory Authority was closed by the Latvian Data Inspectorate. In particular, the purpose of the law is to define the requirements for obtaining a license from the Code of Conduct Supervisory Authority, as well as the procedure for paying the state fee. Particularly, the establishment of the Authority implements the Art. 40 and 41 of the EU General Data Protection Regulation.

Primary legal sourceNational StrategyOfficial source · dvi.gov.lv ↗

Law / Act

Amendments to the Criminal Law (Article 90.1) — criminalising use of deepfake technology to influence elections

AI law in Latvia: In May 2024 the Saeima adopted amendments to the Criminal Law adding Article 90.1 to criminalise the creation or dissemination of intentionally false, discrediting information using deepfake technologies during the pre-election campaign period or on election day, and to criminalise the use of automated data processing systems to prevent persons from participating in democratic processes. Penalties include imprisonment up to five years and other custodial or non-custodial sanctions. The amendments entered into force on 22 May 2024....

Primary legal sourceNational StrategyOfficial source · likumi.lv ↗

Law / Act

Amendments to the Pre‑election Agitation Law regulating use of AI in campaigning (Grozījumi Priekšvēlēšanu aģitācijas likumā)

AI law in Latvia: In October–November 2024 the Saeima adopted amendments to the Pre‑election Agitation Law that require paid pre‑election materials created with artificial intelligence (AI) to be clearly and unambiguously labelled, ban the use of fake or anonymous social‑media accounts driven by automated systems for political agitation, and grant the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) authority to order removal of AI‑generated campaign content. The law entered into force on 7 November 2024....

Primary legal sourceNational StrategyOfficial source · likumi.lv ↗

National Strategy

Informative Report 'On the Development of Artificial Intelligence Solutions' (Informatīvais ziņojums 'Par mākslīgā intelekta risinājumu attīstību')

AI law in Latvia: The Latvian Cabinet of Ministers adopted the informative report 'On the Development of Artificial Intelligence Solutions' on 4 February 2020. Prepared by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development (VARAM), the report outlines a national policy orientation to promote AI uptake across public administration and the economy, identifies risks and data/infrastructure needs, and sets out actions to be integrated into the 2021–2027 Digital Transformation Guidelines....

Official materialNational StrategyOfficial source · ec.europa.eu ↗