The images were actively distributed on social networks at the beginning of last week by people keen to give the impression that the Prime Minister does not respect the rules adopted by the government itself.
However, the footage in fact dated from July, when wearing masks in stores was not compulsory.
The DVI has identified the relevant trading venue and requested an explanation from the company regarding what happened, since such disclosure of images of surveillance cameras is considered to be a violation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
“When any company, whether a store, parking lot, clinic or hospital, installs a video surveillance system, it is done for a specific purpose. As a general rule, to protect your property and visitors from criminal offences. Recordings can only be used for this purpose to then be passed on to the police or insurance companies. But that doesn't mean you can look at which visitor looks ridiculously or has stumbled, or picked up a lot of alcohol, and then publish this video on Youtube,” said Jekaterina Macuka, director of the DVI.
A breach of GDPR means the company can face a fine of up to 4% of last year's turnover, up to a maximum €20 million. In Latvia's experience, the largest penalty for infringement of the regulation has been €150,000.
