In the course of June 2021, the scope of information which is available to users who wish to inspect the cadastral register on an anonymous basis will be curtailed significantly. How to ensure fully access to such information nonetheless?
In recent days, the Czech State Administration of Land Surveying and the Cadaster (Český úřad zeměměřičský a katastrální – hereinafter “ČÚZK”) announced that it will substantially curtail the scope of information which is made available for free to anonymous online users, due to the surge of cases in which bots have accessed the online cadaster application, and that only basic information on real property on the records and pending proceedings with respect to such property will be displayed. It specifically made clear that anonymous users will no longer have access to the owners of real estate or to the participants to on-going proceedings. Such data will only become accessible once one has logged into the cadaster application using one of the following recognized methods.
One such option is to create an account for Remote Cadaster Access by filling in a form prepared by the ČÚZK. Alternatively, one may gain access via the state-operated Portal to the National Identification and Authentication Point (“PNB”) using what is known as eIdentity. This eIdentity may in turn be acquired in various ways, using tools provided by the government or by private entities.
The former category comprises signing in (i) based upon one’s official ID card, fitted with an activated chip, which was issued after 1 July 2018; (ii) via user name and password, followed by authentication via SMS key after registering with the PNB website; and (iii) via eGovernment’s mobile app (“Mobile Key”). The PNB’s website, eidentita.cz, offers additional information and guidance as to how to activate these tools for access.
Recognized means of access which are administered by private entities include, in particular, the MojeID service run by the special-purpose association cz.nic, and the so-called banking identity, which lets users sign in in the same way they are accustomed to from their internet banking (though this service will be limited to banks which are in collaboration with PNB).
The ČÚZK claims that the upcoming changes ought to cause no serious complications to users, given the variety of options for access – but it is questionable whether the government has e.g. thought of foreign investors who contemplate the acquisition of real property in the Czech Republic. The Czech office of bnt attorneys in CEE enjoys unrestricted access to the entire database of cadastral data (including paid services), and is thus able to provide its clients with the full range of legal services related (not only) to real-estate transactions; this won’t change even after the new restrictions come into effect.
Source:
www.cuzk.cz,
www.eidentita.cz