Using the word “Ferto” from Akyla, Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou, described how quickly citizens can now obtain their criminal records, speaking on ERTnews’ Newsroom show.
“One of the bulletins that we were not getting quickly was the criminal record, which was coming out asynchronously. The citizen’s application would be made and the criminal record would come back days later. Since Monday, for about 50% of Greek citizens, it comes immediately, specifically within five minutes.”
Papastergiou clarified that it is only for 50%,because it is not easy to identify. There are cases where the algorithm is sure that it is a specific citizen and therefore immediately issues the criminal record certificate. For the rest of the cases it takes some time to have a cross-check“.
“So, just like the Akyla song, the criminal record now comes instantly to our digital wallet in order to simplify processes that used to take days.”
On the changes brought about by banning access to social media for children under the age of 15, he noted that “this measure may seem harsh, but it is a one-way street.” He explained that “from September we will start informing teachers and parents, and from 1 January 2027 we will start implementing the measure”.
Then Papastergiou referred to thermal satellites, noting that “they have thermal cameras and in this way we can detect fires in almost real time”. He explained that “these satellites are owned by the Greek government with funding from the Recovery Fund”. “No longer is it a luxury to invest in space, it is a necessity,” he said.
