In 2006, Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe decided to designate January 28 as Data Protection Day. This day is now celebrated worldwide, under the name “International Data Protection Day” or “Privacy Day”.
To mark Data Protection Day, Council of Europe has published an article to remind us all of the importance of protecting our personal data and our right to privacy.
These risks have been multiplied by the development of artificial intelligence technology. Much larger amounts of data are processed, creating significant efficiencies and benefits, but also increasing risks, especially the risk of discrimination or exposure to disinformation and manipulation. This risk has also increased as a result of geopolitical transformations.
Data Protection Day marks the moment when the Council of Europe opened for signature the Convention for the Protection of Individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data – known as “Convention 108” – on 28 January 1981.
A global innovation in data protection
This convention was the world's first legally binding international treaty on the protection of privacy in the digital age. Today, 45 years after its adoption, 55 states have so far ratified the treaty, including 46 member states of the Council of Europe, as well as Argentina, Cape Verde, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia and Uruguay. Many other states have used it as a model for their own legislation.
In 2018, the Council of Europe opened for signature a protocol modernising “Convention 108”. This protocol addresses new challenges to the protection of personal data that have emerged since 1981. It will enter into force when 38 signatories have ratified it, hopefully in the near future.
Beatriz de Anchorena, Chair of the Advisory Committee of the Council of Europe’s Data Protection Convention and Director of the Argentine Agency for Access to Public Information, said: “The year 2026 finds us at a defining moment. Accelerated digital transformation and the deployment of artificial intelligence are driving strategic decisions on policies and standards related to governance, regulation and competitiveness, at a time of major geopolitical changes. In this evolving landscape, the protection of personal data remains essential for guaranteeing individual rights, democratic values and trust in the digital environment.”
Cases that violated the data security of Kosovo citizens, handled by Hibrid.info
Kosovo citizens face data security breaches, mainly through electronic messages (SMS).
Hibrid.info has handled dozens of such cases. Through these fraudulent messages, senders imitate the Post of Kosovo, banks, and the electronic platform "eKosova".
"Kosovo Post" cases
Numerous messages have been sent to Kosovo citizens claiming to come from the Kosovo Post, urging them to click on the link presented in the SMS so that the package will be sent to the correct address. (see here, here, here, here e here)
Hibrid.info has handled some of these cases, and after verification it was confirmed that they contained suspicious (fraudulent) links and were not from the official website of the Kosovo Post.
Even the Kosovo Post itself had reacted to similar messages made in its name, informing the public not to fall prey to this scam. (see here)
The “NLB Bank” case
Citizens in the country are being sent SMS messages falsely claiming that users' "NLB Banka" bank accounts will be blocked, urging them to click on a link to update their data. (see here)
The link directs users to a page that imitates "NLB Banka" and requests personal data, while the domain does not match the bank's official website.
Analysis through website verification platforms (here) and official warnings from "NLB Banka" itself (here) confirm that these SMS are fraudulent.
The “eKosovo” case
Recently, fraudulent SMS messages have also been noticed that falsely claim to have been sent from the “eKosova” platform, informing them of a traffic fine and inviting them to pay it through a suspicious link (“ekosova.top/gov”).
The message is sent from a private email address, not from an official source.
Verification by hibrid.info has confirmed that this SMS is not authentic and that the link does not belong to the official “eKosova” platform, which operates only on the “ekosova.rks-gov.net” domain. Website identification platforms assess this domain as suspicious. (here and here)
Further investigation shows that the website also displays fines for non-existent vehicle license plates and then requests bank details for payment, which proves that it is a fraud attempt with the aim of stealing financial data. (see here)
Keep your personal information safe: do not click on suspicious links and do not share personal information on unknown sites or messages (SMS). Always verify the source, because a careless click can make you a victim of online fraud.