GDPR Extends to Catholic Baptism Registers

European data‑protection law now covers baptism records kept by Catholic churches, treating them as personal data under the GDPR. The ruling means that religious institutions must ensure proper consent, security, and transparency when handling such sensitive information.

Churches are required to review their data‑processing practices, update privacy notices, and provide individuals with rights to access, rectify, or erase their baptism details. Failure to comply could lead to regulatory scrutiny and potential fines.

Source: "GDPR data protection" – Google News