German Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG)
View Law TextNeed Help with German Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG) Compliance?
Get expert guidance on implementing German data protection requirements and ensuring ongoing compliance for your organization.
Get Expert HelpOverview
The Federal Data Protection Act (Bundesdatenschutzgesetz - BDSG) implements and supplements the GDPR in Germany, establishing specific national requirements and enforcement mechanisms.
Key Facts
- Enacted in 2018 to align with GDPR
- Enforced by Federal and State Data Protection Authorities
- Includes specific requirements for employee data
Key Principles
Employee Data Protection
Specific rules for processing employee personal data in the employment context.
Requirements
- Legal basis for processing
- Works council involvement
- Transparency measures
- Data minimization
- Storage limitations
Examples
- Employment contracts
- Works agreements
- Privacy notices
- Retention schedules
Special Processing Operations
Additional requirements for specific types of data processing.
Requirements
- Video surveillance rules
- Scoring regulations
- Credit reporting requirements
- Address trading limitations
- Marketing restrictions
Examples
- CCTV policies
- Credit assessment procedures
- Marketing consent forms
- Data sharing agreements
Federal Authority Requirements
Specific rules for federal public bodies processing personal data.
Requirements
- Legal basis verification
- Processing limitations
- Security measures
- Documentation requirements
- Data transfer rules
Examples
- Processing records
- Security concepts
- Transfer agreements
- Compliance documentation
Compliance Requirements
Data Protection Officer
Organizations must appoint a DPO if they meet specific criteria under BDSG.
Implementation Steps
- Assess DPO requirement
- Appoint qualified DPO
- Register DPO with authority
- Ensure independence
- Document appointment
Required Documentation
- DPO appointment letter
- Qualification records
- Registration confirmation
- Independence documentation
- Role description
Employee Data Processing
Specific requirements for processing employee personal data under BDSG.
Implementation Steps
- Identify legal basis
- Implement safeguards
- Obtain works council approval
- Document processing
- Regular reviews
Required Documentation
- Processing records
- Works council agreements
- Consent forms
- Review logs
- Safeguard documentation
Special Categories Processing
Additional requirements for processing special categories of personal data.
Implementation Steps
- Assess necessity
- Implement extra safeguards
- Document legal basis
- Conduct DPIA
- Regular monitoring
Required Documentation
- Necessity assessments
- Security measures
- Legal basis records
- DPIAs
- Monitoring logs
Enforcement & Penalties
Administrative Fines
The Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (BfDI) and state DPAs can impose significant administrative fines.
Penalty Categories
Example Cases
Additional Measures
Supervisory authorities can impose various corrective measures beyond monetary penalties.