Data protection authority fined over luxury car purchases

Czechia’s Office for Personal Data Protection has been fined 2.5 million crowns for breaching budgetary rules, mainly over the purchase of new cars in top-end specifications, Czech Radio reported. The fine was imposed by the Financial Administration of the Czech Republic after nine breaches of rules on managing public funds were identified. The authority challenged the penalty in court, but the Prague Municipal Court dismissed its complaint earlier this month. Judges said features such as ventilated leather seats, massage functions or panoramic roofs were not necessary for official transport. The office rejects the criticism and is preparing a cassation complaint, while noting it has already reviewed its internal control procedures.