Hey everyone! I’ve recently started getting into data privacy and have a quick question. A little over two years ago, I applied via email for a degree at a Russian university. I sent some personal documents with my application. I got accepted, but I ended up not going.
Now, I’m wondering how likely it is that they’ve deleted my data after all this time. It makes me a bit uncomfortable thinking they might still have it, so I wanted to ask you all. Should I ask them or am I being paranoid? I am from an EU country. Thanks!
Russia is known for having some of the weakest privacy laws globally. However, there are regulations in place regarding data protection, collection, and storage (No. 152-FZ), although I’m not an expert on the details (perhaps someone else here can help?).
I suggest checking your university’s privacy policy and contacting them directly to verify if your data has been deleted. If it hasn’t, you can still request that your personal data be deleted. That’s probably your best option.
Its not inconceivable that your info will be passed to Russian intelligence because of course it will be. They tend to collect intel whether you give it to them or not. You just made their job easier for them. And no they will not delete it.
At least this is the assumption I have for your situation. You can request to be deleted and they may claim they do but you should know better.
Its probably fine… You can still try the above suggestion but expect malicious compliance. I hope you are not at increased risk because of this.