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French Data Protection Act (LIL)

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

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Overview

The French Data Protection Act (Loi Informatique et Libertés) implements and supplements the GDPR in France, establishing specific national requirements and enforcement mechanisms.

Key Facts

  • Originally enacted in 1978, modernized in 2018
  • Enforced by CNIL (Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertés)
  • Includes specific French 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

French-Specific Requirements

Additional requirements specific to French data protection law.

Requirements

  • Process national ID numbers appropriately
  • Handle health data according to French rules
  • Comply with specific consent requirements
  • Follow French DPO requirements
  • Implement French language requirements

Examples

  • NIR number handling procedures
  • Health data processing policies
  • French language privacy notices
  • DPO appointment documentation

Compliance Requirements

Data Protection Officer

Requirements for appointing and maintaining a Data Protection Officer position.

Implementation Steps

  • Assess DPO requirement
  • Appoint qualified DPO
  • Register DPO with CNIL
  • Ensure independence
  • Document activities

Required Documentation

  • DPO appointment letter
  • CNIL registration
  • Activity reports
  • Training certificates
  • Resource allocation

CNIL Formalities

Compliance with specific CNIL requirements and procedures.

Implementation Steps

  • Register processing activities
  • Obtain authorizations when needed
  • Submit notifications
  • Maintain documentation
  • Regular updates

Required Documentation

  • CNIL registrations
  • Authorization records
  • Notification submissions
  • Processing records
  • Update logs

International Transfers

Requirements for transferring personal data outside France and the EEA.

Implementation Steps

  • Assess transfer mechanisms
  • Implement safeguards
  • Obtain CNIL approvals
  • Document transfers
  • Monitor compliance

Required Documentation

  • Transfer agreements
  • CNIL authorizations
  • Safeguard documentation
  • Transfer logs
  • Monitoring reports

Enforcement & Penalties

Administrative Penalties

The Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertés (CNIL) 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
Emergency Measures
Immediate Effect
Power to order immediate cessation of processing

Example Cases

Google LLC
€50M
2019 - Lack of transparency and invalid consent for ads personalization
Carrefour
€3M
2020 - Multiple GDPR and e-Privacy violations

Criminal Penalties

French law provides for criminal penalties in certain cases.

Penalty Categories

Intentional Violations
Up to €300,000 and 5 years imprisonment
For willful violations of data protection law
Obstruction
Up to €100,000
For hindering CNIL's actions
Repeat Offenses
Double penalties
For subsequent violations within 5 years

Example Cases

Individual Prosecution
€100,000
2021 - Illegal access to personal data
Corporate Criminal Liability
€200,000
2022 - Systematic violation of data protection rights