Yes, scraping public data in Georgia is generally permissible, provided it complies with the Constitution of Georgia (Article 23), the Law of Georgia on Personal Data Protection (2011), and the Law on Freedom of Information (2014). Courts have not explicitly banned scraping, but unauthorized access or misuse of data may trigger liability under cybercrime or privacy statutes. The Data Exchange Agency (DEA) under the Ministry of Justice monitors compliance, particularly for automated data collection.
Key Regulations for Scraping Public Data in Georgia
- Personal Data Protection: Scraping data containing identifiable personal information (e.g., names, IDs) without a lawful basis (consent, public interest) violates the Law on Personal Data Protection. The DEA enforces strict penalties for unauthorized processing, including fines up to GEL 50,000 (2026 amendments increased sanctions by 30%).
- Freedom of Information (FOI) Limits: While public sector data is accessible under the FOI Law, scraping bulk datasets without a stated purpose may be deemed excessive. Public bodies like the National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat) restrict automated extraction unless pre-approved.
- Computer Fraud and Abuse: The Criminal Code (Article 273) criminalizes unauthorized access to computer systems, including circumventing technical protections (e.g., CAPTCHAs, rate limits). Scrapers risk prosecution if they bypass safeguards, as seen in 2025 cases involving municipal portals.
Practical Considerations:
- Rate Limiting: Excessive requests may trigger IP bans or legal action under the Law on Electronic Communications (2023).
- Terms of Service: Many public websites prohibit scraping in their ToS, though enforcement varies. Courts weigh these terms against constitutional rights.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: The DEA’s upcoming guidelines on AI-driven data extraction will likely require scrapers to register automated tools and justify data usage. Monitor their 2026 circulars for updates.