Ministry of Economy on the inexpediency of excessive requirements for disclosure of bank data during the implementation of the “Winter eSupport” and “National Cashback” programs
In Ukraine, active discussions regarding the processing of personal data during participation in the state programs “Winter Support” and “National Cashback” have taken place. Many citizens have expressed concern that banks may require the disclosure of excessive information about transactions that are not relevant to the purposes of these programs. In this regard, the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine provided clarificationto ensure legality and transparency of actions of banks that are partners of these programs.
Features of the “National Cashback” program
According to the position of the Ministry of Economy, the “National Cashback” program provides for the return of 10% of the purchase amount of Ukrainian-made goods. These items must be purchased at participating retailers. To calculate cashback, the government needs data only on those transactions related to the purchase or return of these goods. Information about the specified payment transactions is the sole basis for accrual of cashback.
Program participants give their own consent to the transfer of such data if they choose to participate in the program. No other transactions not related to the National Cashback program are subject to government inquiry. The Ministry of Economy emphasizes that demands from banks to provide consent for the disclosure of other data are impractical.
Details of the “Winter is Support” program
The “Winter is Support” program provides one-time financial assistance to citizens of Ukraine. These funds are credited to a special “National Cashback” bank card. Citizens can open this card in a mobile application or directly at a bank branch. At the same time, the Ministry of Economy emphasizes that if a program participant has decided not to participate in “National Cashback” and uses the card exclusively to receive payments under “Winter is Support”, banks have no right to demand consent to process transactions or disclose personal data that do not relate to this program.
The Ministry of Economy notes that data processing within the framework of both programs must correspond exclusively to the purpose of their implementation. Banks should not require citizens to disclose information about transactions outside the scope of the programs. This guarantees transparency and protection of the rights of citizens who decide to participate in these initiatives.
The reaction of the Ministry of Economy to the appeal of citizens
The Ministry of Economy receives numerous appeals from program participants who express dissatisfaction with the requirements of individual banks regarding the disclosure of excessive information. In response to these appeals, the Ministry asked the banks to revise their contracts and bring them into line with the defined conditions of the programs. Banks have the right to request only the information that is necessary for the implementation of the programs and should not go beyond these limits.
The Ministry emphasizes that program participants have the right to close the “National Cashback” card at any time or to withdraw permission to process their data. For this, it is enough to contact the bank’s support service. This approach allows citizens to decide for themselves how they want to use the opportunities offered by the state, while maintaining control over their data.
Call for cooperation with banks
In addition, the Ministry of Economy emphasizes the importance of constructive cooperation with banking institutions for the successful implementation of programs. The role of banks in these initiatives is key, because they provide the technical possibility of payments and data processing. However, banks must act within the terms of the programs and respect the rights of citizens to the confidentiality of their information.
The government confirms its readiness for further cooperation with the banks to guarantee transparency and compliance with the law during the implementation of the programs. “National Cashback” and “Winter Support” are aimed at supporting citizens and the economy of Ukraine, and their implementation should be an example of respecting the rights and freedoms of participants.
