Parliament to consider bill that could criminalise publishing data from registers

Tighter sanctions for working with state databases

The Verkhovna Rada has included Bill No. 10242 in its agenda for the current week. The document contains proposals to significantly strengthen criminal liability for the illegal dissemination of information obtained from state registers. This step has already sparked a wave of criticism, as opponents of the bill fear threats to independent investigations and mechanisms for protecting information sources.

Threat of up to eight years in prison

The publication states that the illegal acquisition or dissemination of information about the property of officials — specifically, cars, apartments, and other assets — could carry a penalty of up to eight years of imprisonment. However, the final extent of liability will depend on the final wording of the law and the specific circumstances of each offence.

Risks for journalistic investigations

Critics of the initiative note that the adoption of such a bill could significantly complicate the professional activities of journalists. Experts who use data from registers to expose corruption schemes, undeclared assets of officials, or conflicts of interest may face difficulties. Particular concern is raised by the impact of the new provisions on information sources: it is believed that the document's clauses create additional risks for investigators who obtain information from restricted databases and use it for materials of public interest.

Doubts about European arguments

Supporters of a critical view of the bill also question the argumentation regarding the necessity of these changes in the context of European integration. In their opinion, strengthening criminal liability for working with registers should not turn into an instrument for restricting the ability to expose corruption.

History of the document's consideration

Bill No. 10242 had already become a subject of discussion in parliament at the end of 2024, when attempts were made to put it to a vote. Currently, the document has once again found its way onto the Verkhovna Rada's agenda.