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Tübingen Faces Data‑Protection Inquiry Over Published Birthday Greeting

The state watchdog says such listings lack a legal basis since 2015, requiring prior consent.

Overview

  • A citizen complaint about a public congratulation triggered the proceeding against the city of Tübingen.
  • The data‑protection authority requested Tübingen to state which internal guidelines permit publishing jubilees in an official bulletin.
  • Officials emphasized that mayors may use registry data to contact individuals and seek permission before any public mention.
  • The authority cited fraud and privacy risks tied to online accessibility and noted that such data can also feed AI training.
  • Boris Palmer posted the authority’s letter, including a caseworker’s contact details, and denounced the process as excessive bureaucracy.