Habiyan spoke out about unauthorized sharing of primary and secondary school data

Croatia's Minister of Justice and Digital Transformation, Damir Habijan, addressed concerns regarding unauthorized data sharing related to primary and secondary schools during a press conference held on Monday. The issue has raised alarms about cyber security risks, particularly as the digital age continues to blur traditional boundaries between institutions and individuals. Habijan emphasized that such incidents—whether classified as cyber attacks, data theft, disinformation campaigns, or phishing attempts—are likely to become more frequent, necessitating collective action from all sectors to prevent them effectively. The minister highlighted that the situation involving the unauthorized distribution of school-related data is not solely the responsibility of his ministry but rather a multidisciplinary challenge requiring collaboration across various government agencies. He noted that this incident underscores the growing importance of cyber security in modern governance and the need for comprehensive strategies encompassing prevention, education, and institutional responses to mitigate threats. Habijan also mentioned that the Croatian government had recently approved a decision to join an international convention concerning cybercrime, aimed at enhancing cooperation among nations in addressing transnational cyber threats. This move aligns with the recognition that digital security issues transcend national borders and require coordinated global efforts to manage effectively. In addition to discussing cyber security, Habijan touched upon recent amendments to Croatia’s Traffic Offenses Act. These changes aim to address the issue of lenient penalties for repeat traffic offenders. According to the minister, the proposed amendments will significantly limit the ability of courts to reduce fines by half for mandatory traffic violation notices. Instead, he suggested that offenders should have the opportunity to pay their fines promptly, either immediately or within a specified period before appearing before a court. Furthermore, Habijan announced the formation of a new working group focused on making substantial revisions to the Traffic Offenses Act. His goal is to ensure that the legal framework better reflects the realities of modern traffic enforcement while reinforcing accountability for repeat offenses. Regarding judicial bodies and legal officials, Habijan expressed confidence that they possess the necessary tools and instruments to deal decisively with individuals who commit or repeatedly commit offenses. He stressed that through upcoming legislative changes, the government aims to strengthen the legal mechanisms that enable courts to impose stricter penalties where appropriate. He acknowledged that while the government proposes legislation, its implementation ultimately depends on the Croatian Parliament. However, he reiterated that the judiciary, as one of the three pillars of state power, plays a crucial role in enforcing laws and sending clear messages through sentencing decisions that certain behaviors will not be tolerated. The discussions surrounding these topics took place amid broader reflections on the evolving landscape of digital governance and law enforcement. As technology advances and cyber threats grow more sophisticated, the need for robust legal frameworks and proactive measures becomes increasingly evident. Habijan's statements reflect a commitment to adapting legal and policy approaches to meet contemporary challenges, ensuring that both public institutions and citizens are adequately protected against emerging risks.