Bundestag Strengthens Data Protection Authority

The German Bundestag's Budget Committee has approved an additional 67 positions for the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (BfDI). This funding increase is intended to bolster the BfDI's capacity to oversee security authorities, manage new digitalization initiatives within the health sector, and enhance its participation in international data protection committees. The Federal Commissioner, Ulrich Kelber, expressed satisfaction, noting that this follows similar increases in 2018 and 2019, and aims to expand advisory services to government, parliament, and companies, as well as public information.

While this notice highlights a strengthening of the federal data protection authority, it also points out that many state-level data protection authorities remain understaffed, with an appeal for similar improvements at the Länder level. The BfDI also intends to push for more detailed and binding rules for the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) at the European level, specifically targeting areas like cross-device tracking and data security. For regulated entities, this signifies a potential for increased scrutiny and clearer guidance on GDPR compliance, particularly concerning data processing and security measures.