BfDI Press Releases (Germany DPA)

CJEU Rules Pre-Ticked Checkboxes Invalid for Cookie Consent

The European Court of Justice (CJEU) ruled that pre-ticked checkboxes are invalid for obtaining cookie consent. This decision, welcomed by data protection authorities, clarifies that active user behavior is required for valid consent regarding data processing.

Bundestag Strengthens Data Protection Authority

The German Bundestag's Budget Committee has allocated an additional 67 posts to the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (BfDI) for the upcoming year. This funding aims to enhance supervision of security authorities, support new digitalization tasks in the health sector, and improve international cooperation.

BfDI Fines 1&1 Telecom EUR 9.55M and Rapidata EUR 10k under GDPR

Germany's Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (BfDI) has fined 1&1 Telecom GmbH EUR 9.55 million for insufficient technical and organizational measures to protect customer data and Rapidata GmbH EUR 10,000 for failing to appoint a data protection officer. These actions underscore the enforcement of GDPR provisions.

EDPB Agrees on GDPR Evaluation and Suggests Cooperation Improvements

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has agreed to contribute to the European Commission's evaluation of the GDPR. The EDPB suggests improvements in cooperation between data protection authorities and revisions to standard contractual clauses for data transfers.

ECJ Invalidates Privacy Shield, Impacts International Data Transfers

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has declared the EU-US Privacy Shield invalid, impacting international data transfers. The German Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (BfDI) stated that companies and authorities can no longer rely on the Privacy Shield for data exchange with the USA, requiring special safeguards and adherence to fundamental rights.