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Belgian Data Protection Act

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

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Overview

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

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
Periodic Penalty
Up to €20,000 per day
For non-compliance with DPA orders

Example Cases

IAB Europe
€250,000
2022 - GDPR and ePrivacy violations related to TCF
Social Media Platform
€50,000
2023 - Insufficient legal basis for data processing

Corrective Powers

The DPA has various corrective powers beyond monetary penalties.

Penalty Categories

Processing Bans
Temporary or Permanent
Prohibition of specific processing activities
Compliance Orders
Mandatory Changes
Orders to bring processing into compliance
Certification Withdrawal
Loss of Certification
Withdrawal of data protection certifications

Example Cases

Marketing Company
Processing Ban
2023 - Ordered to cease illegal data collection practices
Healthcare Provider
Compliance Order
2022 - Required to implement additional security measures