"GendNotes": this is the name of a note-taking application on secure tablets or smartphones, which replaces the gendarme's notebook and was authorized by decree of the Prime Minister on February 20. But this software, supposed to facilitate the work of agents in the field, is not unanimous. Four LGBT associations thus appealed to the Council of State, fearing future discrimination. Europe 1 takes stock.
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What is this software?
With this new tool, the gendarmes can inform the sexual orientation of witnesses, victims and people arrested during their missions.
Under what circumstances can the gendarmes record this information?
The decree does not specify it. The gendarmerie indicates that the data on sexual orientation are only to be informed in case of absolute necessity. It doesn't have to be systematic.
What happens to the data collected?
Who will store and protect them? The National Commission for Information Technology and Liberties (Cnil) asked the government to do more to protect this personal data. "This information can be transmitted to mayors and the prefecture", denounces already Eric Deshoulières, lawyer for LGBT associations. "Potentially, there are risks of discrimination," he said. "This information, which is obviously a matter of privacy, may be stored, we do not know exactly where and we do not know precisely who will be able to consult it."
According to the gendarmerie, the data should not be kept for more than a year.