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German Telecommunications and Telemedia Data Protection Law (TTDSG)

View Law Text
Maximum Fine
€300,000
Scope
National
Regulator
BNetzA
Sector
Telecom

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Overview

The Telecommunications and Telemedia Data Protection Act (TTDSG) consolidates privacy rules for electronic communications and online services in Germany, implementing parts of the EU ePrivacy Directive.

Key Facts

  • Effective since December 1, 2021
  • Enforced by Federal Network Agency (BNetzA)
  • Specific focus on cookies and tracking technologies

Key Principles

Communications Secrecy

Protection of the confidentiality of telecommunications and electronic communications.

Requirements

  • Ensure communications privacy
  • Implement security measures
  • Control access rights
  • Monitor compliance
  • Handle breaches

Examples

  • Encryption protocols
  • Access control systems
  • Monitoring tools
  • Breach procedures

End-User Privacy

Protection of end-user devices and stored information.

Requirements

  • Protect stored data
  • Control device access
  • Implement safeguards
  • User transparency
  • Regular assessments

Examples

  • Device protection measures
  • Access controls
  • Privacy notices
  • Security protocols

Compliance Requirements

Communications Privacy

Protection of privacy in telecommunications and electronic communications.

Implementation Steps

  • Implement security measures
  • Protect communications secrecy
  • Control access rights
  • Monitor systems
  • Handle breaches

Required Documentation

  • Security policies
  • Access control logs
  • Monitoring records
  • Breach procedures
  • Audit trails

End-User Equipment Protection

Requirements for accessing or storing information on end-user devices.

Implementation Steps

  • Assess necessity
  • Obtain user consent
  • Implement safeguards
  • Document access
  • Regular audits

Required Documentation

  • Technical assessments
  • Consent records
  • Security measures
  • Access logs
  • Audit reports

Enforcement & Penalties

Administrative Fines

The Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) can impose significant administrative fines for TTDSG violations.

Penalty Categories

Severe Violations
Up to €300,000
For serious breaches of telecommunications privacy
Cookie Violations
Up to €100,000
For non-compliance with cookie and tracking requirements
Documentation Violations
Up to €50,000
For failure to maintain required records

Example Cases

Telecom Provider
€150,000
2023 - Unauthorized access to communications data
Online Service
€75,000
2023 - Non-compliant cookie practices

Additional Measures

Authorities can impose various corrective measures beyond monetary penalties.

Penalty Categories

Service Restrictions
Temporary or Permanent
Limitation or prohibition of services
Mandatory Changes
Compliance Orders
Required modifications to systems or practices
Public Warnings
Publication
Public disclosure of violations

Example Cases

Website Operator
Service Restriction
2023 - Required to disable tracking functions
App Provider
Compliance Order
2023 - Mandated to implement proper consent mechanism