Municipality reported for not protecting children’s data

Vejen Municipality has been reported to police for failing to adequately secure sensitive information about children, risking a fine of 200,000 DKK imposed by the Danish Data Protection Agency. The issue arose after the theft of five laptops intended for teaching, which contained unencrypted information on students with special needs. Upon further investigation, approximately 300 potentially at-risk computers were also found to be unencrypted. Data Protection Agency consultant Vibeke Dyssemark Thomsen expressed surprise at the ongoing neglect of encryption measures despite repeated warnings and past fines issued to multiple municipalities. Thomsen urges a thorough review and encryption of all municipal laptops to enhance security.