Privacy ombudsman raises alarm on 'morbid' media reports

(ANSA) - ROME, SEP 2 - Italy's data privacy authority on Monday condemned the "behaviour of some media outlets in covering the tragic story of Paderno Dugnano" in which a teen confessed to allegedly murdering his parents and sibling, "publishing photos, names and details, including of minors, exceeding the legitimate goals of information".
    In a statement, the ombudsman said such behaviour risks turning reports into a "morbid spectacularization" of the story.
    Noting that the "publication of excessive details goes against the principle of essentiality of information", the ombudsman called for restraint and the respect of deontological rules and legislation on the publication of personal data.
    Given the repeated publication of an "increasing number of details" on the triple murders, the authority said it would evaluate sanctions, also considering that the alleged killer is a minor. (ANSA).