The Danish Data Protection Agency (Datatilsynet) has requested that the Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR) investigate the possibility of allowing viewers to access content on DRTV without requiring a login. If implementing such a solution proves impossible, DR must provide a comprehensive explanation as to why.

The request comes amid scrutiny regarding the necessity of collecting personal data from DRTV users, an investigation initiated by the Data Protection Agency. The agency has voiced its concerns to DR, questioning why access to DRTV cannot be offered with login as an optional choice for individual users.

The Data Protection Agency stated it has received numerous inquiries expressing a desire to watch DRTV without being required to log in. The agency interprets these inquiries as indicative of a broader public sentiment.

A key point of contention revolves around the perception that DR, funded by substantial tax revenue, is compelling users to log in to access content they have already financially supported. Critics argue that the login requirement is not driven by an enhanced user experience but rather by the desire to gather more statistical data from users.

Organizations such as the Danish Consumer Council Think and Prosa, the IT professionals’ union, have also voiced criticism of the login requirement.

DR has responded by pointing out that viewers who prefer not to log in can still access DR’s content via traditional television channels. However, the Data Protection Agency has challenged whether limiting non-logged-in users to only live TV aligns with DR’s public service obligations.