Super access to accounts of Belarusians: what it means and what to expect

Euroradio asked economist, head of the project "Kosht Urada", Uladzimir Kavalkin to reflect on this acute issue for Belarusians.

Police can fight fraudsters without a decree

Law enforcement agencies in Belarus say it's for your safety. But first of all, if there's a suspicion that a fraudster is transferring money to himself and it's illegal, the police of any state has grounds to get this data. They can either return the money or prohibit the transfer altogether. Neither the National Bank nor the law enforcement agencies needs additional rights.

Lukashenka's decree is one of a number of acts adopted by his regime this year and earlier. There was a decree that all legal entities that have databases should provide the OAC with online access to these databases.

Apparently, that's not enough for the authorities, they also need access to banking data. That is, the police not only want to see you in the databases of shops, bars and clinics, but also to monitor online all your expenses, taxes and so on. They are also in the third year of installing cameras to keep an eye on people, in other words, they are following China's example and building a digital concentration camp. 

What's next?

Maybe when the current authorities get access to all the digital data in Belarus, they will calm down. They will simply photograph you, recognize your face with a keypod, and track where you go, as well as all your payments and letters.