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Croatian Data Protection Act

View Law Text
Maximum Fine
€20M or 4%
Scope
National
Regulator
AZOP
Framework
GDPR

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Overview

The Croatian Data Protection Act implements and supplements the GDPR in Croatia, establishing specific national requirements and enforcement mechanisms.

Key Facts

  • Enacted in 2018 to align with GDPR
  • Enforced by Croatian Personal Data Protection Agency (AZOP)
  • Includes specific national requirements beyond GDPR

Key Principles

Lawfulness and Transparency

Personal data must be processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently.

Requirements

  • Valid legal basis for processing
  • Clear privacy notices
  • Transparent processing activities
  • Documentation of legal grounds
  • Regular compliance reviews

Examples

  • Privacy notices on websites
  • Consent management systems
  • Processing records
  • Documentation of legal bases

Data Minimization

Collection and processing of personal data must be limited to what is necessary.

Requirements

  • Assess data necessity
  • Limit collection scope
  • Regular data reviews
  • Deletion procedures
  • Documentation of necessity

Examples

  • Data collection forms
  • Necessity assessments
  • Deletion schedules
  • Review procedures

Security and Confidentiality

Implementation of appropriate technical and organizational security measures.

Requirements

  • Security risk assessments
  • Technical measures
  • Staff training
  • Access controls
  • Regular audits

Examples

  • Security policies
  • Training programs
  • Access logs
  • Audit reports

Compliance Requirements

Data Protection Officer

Requirements for appointing and maintaining a Data Protection Officer position.

Implementation Steps

  • Assess DPO requirement
  • Appoint qualified DPO
  • Ensure independence
  • Provide resources
  • Document activities

Required Documentation

  • DPO appointment letter
  • Qualification records
  • Activity reports
  • Training certificates
  • Resource allocation

Processing Records

Maintenance of records of processing activities under Article 30.

Implementation Steps

  • Document processing activities
  • Map data flows
  • Update regularly
  • Review compliance
  • Maintain records

Required Documentation

  • Processing records
  • Data flow diagrams
  • Review logs
  • Update history
  • Compliance reports

International Transfers

Requirements for transferring personal data outside Croatia and the EEA.

Implementation Steps

  • Assess transfer mechanisms
  • Implement safeguards
  • Obtain authorizations
  • Document transfers
  • Monitor compliance

Required Documentation

  • Transfer agreements
  • Adequacy decisions
  • Authorization records
  • Transfer logs
  • Monitoring reports

Enforcement & Penalties

Administrative Penalties

The Croatian Personal Data Protection Agency (AZOP) can impose significant administrative fines for violations.

Penalty Categories

Severe Violations
Up to €20M or 4% of global revenue
For violations of basic principles or data subject rights
Standard Violations
Up to €10M or 2% of global revenue
For violations of technical and organizational measures
Local Provisions
Up to HRK 100,000
For violations of specific national requirements

Example Cases

Telecommunications Provider
HRK 80,000
2023 - Insufficient security measures and unauthorized data sharing
Financial Institution
HRK 60,000
2022 - Failure to implement appropriate data protection measures

Additional Measures

AZOP can impose various corrective measures beyond monetary penalties.

Penalty Categories

Processing Bans
Temporary or Permanent
Prohibition of specific processing activities
Corrective Orders
Mandatory Changes
Orders to bring processing into compliance
Public Warnings
Publication
Public disclosure of violations

Example Cases

Online Retailer
Processing Ban
2023 - Ordered to cease illegal data collection practices
Healthcare Provider
Corrective Order
2022 - Required to implement additional security measures