The Hungarian DPA (NAIH) published two decisions (NAIH/2020/1154 and NAIH/2020/838) in connection with the list of the 50 wealthiest Hungarians and the list of the biggest family-owned businesses published by Forbes Hungary. The amounts of the fines were EUR 5,780 (HUF 2,000,000) and EUR 7,225 (HUF 2,500,000) respectively.
The data used for the publication had been collected from public sources, including the company register. Although the (estimated) value of the company in which the Applicants (data subjects) have an interest is not part of the company register but the publications do not present the personal assets of the Applicants, but the value of the business and the amount of wealth collected as a result of the business activity are estimated, the conclusions were drawn from publicly available company data and information, company reports and the company’s own communications. For the estimation, the Magazine collected the data from public sources, then evaluated it according to a specific methodology and provided it as an opinion.
The decision of the Authority contains important aspects regarding the collision of the right to data protection and the freedom of expression and information.