Browser add-on
Norwegian Supervisory Authority decides to ban Shinigami Eyes in Norway
EUROPEAN DATA PROTECTION BOARD, 14 JUNE 2022
Background information
- Date of final decision: 14 June 2022
- National case
- Legal Reference: lawfulness of processing (Art 6), transparency (Art. 12), information (Art 14)
- Decision: ban on processing
- Key words: Browser extension, Tagging, Public discourse
Summary of the Decision
Origin of the case
The Norwegian Supervisory Authority, SA received several complaints about the browser extension Shinigami Eyes, which is available for Chrome and Firefox. The purpose of the browser extension is to identify and tag individuals on the internet and in social media, indicating to users of the browser extension whether the tagged individual is pro- or anti-trans.
The Norwegian SA has considered whether use of the extension could be based on a balance of interests as its legal basis.
The Norwegian SA has previously given notice that we would issue a decision against the browser extension, and we have maintained our previous assessments in this decision.
Key Findings
The Norwegian SA concluded that Shinigami Eyes does not have a legal basis for the processing of personal data.
In the Norwegian SA’s view, this case is a matter of principle. Subjective assessments and tagging of identifiable individuals are threats to the free exchange of ideas on the internet. The person who is tagged is not notified and is not given the opportunity to object.
Despite repeated attempts, the Norwegian Supervisory Authority was unable to establish contact with the developer of the extension in its evaluation of the complaint.
The Norwegian SA will communicate its decision to Google and Mozilla, which make the extension available on their platforms.
Decision
The Norwegian Supervisory Authority has decided to ban the processing of personal data in the browser extension Shinigami Eyes.
For further information:
- Decision to ban Shinigami Eyes in Norway (EN), Datatilsynet, Norwegian SA
- Vedtak om forbud mot «Shinigami Eyes» i Norge (NO), Datatilsynet, Norwegian SA