MEP Fidias Panayiotou says he will not suspend the Agora app, despite a formal request from the Data Protection Authority to temporarily halt the platform’s operation.
The Agora app, linked to his “Amesi Dimokratia” party, allows registered users to participate in votes through the platform.
Claims of political pressure
Panayiotou criticised the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection, Maria Christofidou, for asking him to take down the application without specifying what needs correction.
“The Commissioner comes and tells us to take down the application, but she does not tell us what the problem is that we need to fix,” he said, adding that the timing – ten days before elections – raises questions.
He argued that the app has operated for months and currently has around 12,500 users who vote through the platform.
According to Panayiotou, the European Parliament’s data protection team approved the application as compliant with personal data requirements. He said his team has repeatedly told the Commissioner that they are ready to correct any issue immediately if identified.
“There is no chance we will take down the application. We are willing to work with her and improve anything she wants,” he said.
Ready to challenge any fine
Panayiotou also suggested that political pressure may lie behind the Authority’s stance and accused opponents of playing political games ahead of the elections.
He stressed that users voluntarily upload their identification details and that no one is forced to download the app.
“In the worst-case scenario they will fine me, but we will take it to the European courts if necessary,” he said, adding that he plans to publish a new video presenting what he described as all relevant information.
Position of the Data Protection Authority
The Data Protection Authority recently sent an official letter to Panayiotou’s legal representatives requesting the immediate and temporary suspension of the Agora app until the evaluation of the Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) is completed and a positive opinion is issued.
Commissioner Maria Christofidou stressed that compliance with the GDPR and national legislation constitutes a legal obligation, not an option.
The Authority has requested written confirmation that the platform’s operation will cease temporarily and stated that it will act within its legal powers depending on the response.
Also read: Fidias’ “office” lease with pool and 4 bedrooms exposed
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