Bulāns: Not all data on public officials should be made public, citing security risks

Publicly available data on Latvian officials and employees of state services can create security risks, according to Viesturs Bulāns, head of the IT company Helmes Latvia. He spoke on 19 October 2026 on the TV24 programme "Preses klubs" (Press Club), during a discussion on how much information about officials the public should be able to see. Society has demanded greater transparency about what officials do for years, but Bulāns argued that decisions on which data to release must also weigh possible threats to national security.

Support for the security service's concerns

Bulāns backed the concerns of the State Security Service about making such information public. He noted that the security services of hostile states closely monitor both Latvian officials and people working in various services.

In his view, publicly accessible data about these people could give such services extra opportunities to recruit or otherwise influence them. That, in turn, could create additional security risks for Latvia.

A proportionate solution is needed

At the same time, he stressed that a balance must be found between the public's right to receive information and the need to protect people whose work or position carries a heightened security risk.

Bulāns suggested that specific position or profession groups should be identified whose members' data would not be made public. He emphasised that the aim should not be to automatically ban the release of all information, but to examine carefully what data is disclosed and what consequences it may have.

Overall, he supported the security service's stance, adding that the principle of openness is not the only factor to consider, as possible threats to national security matter as well.