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Italian Personal Data Protection Code

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

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Overview

The Personal Data Protection Code implements and supplements the GDPR in Italy, establishing specific national requirements and enforcement mechanisms.

Key Facts

  • Updated in 2018 to align with GDPR
  • Enforced by Garante per la Protezione dei Dati Personali
  • 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

Italian-Specific Requirements

Additional requirements specific to Italian data protection law.

Requirements

  • Employee monitoring rules
  • Biometric data processing
  • Health data requirements
  • Marketing restrictions
  • Whistleblowing systems

Examples

  • Employee monitoring policies
  • Biometric processing procedures
  • Health data safeguards
  • Marketing consent forms

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

Special Categories Processing

Additional requirements for processing special categories of personal data.

Implementation Steps

  • Identify special categories
  • Implement extra safeguards
  • Obtain explicit consent
  • Document legal basis
  • Regular monitoring

Required Documentation

  • Category inventory
  • Safeguard documentation
  • Consent records
  • Legal basis records
  • Monitoring logs

Enforcement & Penalties

Administrative Penalties

The Italian Data Protection Authority (Garante) 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 €1.5M
For violations of specific national requirements

Example Cases

TikTok Italy
€12.5M
2023 - Violations related to minors' data protection
Foodinho
€2.6M
2021 - Algorithmic management of workers' rights violations

Additional Measures

The Garante 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

Clearview AI
€20M
2022 - Ordered to delete Italian citizens' biometric data
Facebook Italy
€7M
2021 - Cambridge Analytica data sharing violations
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