Italian SA fines a company for post-sick leave questionnaires

Background informationDate of final decision: 10 July 2025National caseController: Magna PT S.p.A.Legal Reference(s): Article 5 (Principles relating to processing of personal data), Article 6 (Lawfulness of processing), Article 9 (Processing of special categories of personal data), Article 13 (Information to be provided where personal data are collected from the data subject)Decision: Administrative fine, Definitive ban on data processingKey words: Administrative fine, Principles relating to processing of personal data, Transparency,Retention time, Lawfulness of processing, EmploymentSummary of the DecisionOrigin of the case A trade union report highlighted a widespread practice within an automotive company: after an absence due to illness, accident or hospitalisation, workers were interviewed and asked to complete a questionnaire. The document, completed by a direct supervisor, was then sent to the Human Resources Department, which, together with the supervisor and/or the competent do