Belgian Data Protection Act
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The Belgian Data Protection Act implements and supplements the GDPR in Belgium, establishing specific national requirements and enforcement mechanisms.
Key Facts
- Enacted in 2018 to align with GDPR
- Enforced by Belgian Data Protection Authority
- 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
Accountability
Organizations must demonstrate compliance with data protection principles.
Requirements
- Document compliance measures
- Implement policies
- Regular audits
- Staff training
- Impact assessments
Examples
- Compliance documentation
- Policy frameworks
- Audit reports
- Training records
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
Data Breach Notification
Procedures for handling and reporting personal data breaches.
Implementation Steps
- Establish detection procedures
- Create response plan
- Set up notification process
- Train staff
- Document incidents
Required Documentation
- Breach response plan
- Notification templates
- Training materials
- Incident logs
- Investigation reports
Enforcement & Penalties
Administrative Fines
The Belgian Data Protection Authority can impose significant administrative fines for violations.
Penalty Categories
Example Cases
Corrective Powers
The DPA has various corrective powers beyond monetary penalties.