Matrix compliance with GDPR article 17: right to erasure

Description

  • The LB section 4.4 expresses the requirements related to data protection.
  • One of the articles mentioned is the article 17 from the GDPR, or right to erasure.
  • This article states that individuals have the right to request the erasure of their personal data at any time. Organizations must erase personal data without undue delay.
  • Matrix rooms store data in the form of events that cannot be deleted by default, as they are distributed across a network of servers.
  • However, being FITKO a closed system, deleting events storing data directly in the home server is possible.
  • This, in turn, can treat unlinkability, since the home server admin will be able to link the citizen to the data to be deleted.
  • We need to discuss the requirements here, what can be done and whether we need an MSC.

Background information

Priority

  • low (sometime in the future...)
  • medium (important for the current project phase, no project delay yet according to sprint planning)
  • high (important for the next sprint)
  • utmost urgent (needs to be resolved during the current sprint)

History (documented by team::requirements)

  • 2025-09-17: Ticket was created. Respective people informed.

Next steps (defined by team::requirements)

  • Clarify requirements for deleting events stored data.
  • Define impact on ADR-0001
  • Define if MSC is required.
Edited by icarl