What consequences are threatened if I violate the GDPR?
January 6, 2022 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Andrea Schlattmann
Dear Data Protection Lawyer,
My name is Hilde Schlüter and I run a small online shop where I sell handmade products. Lately, I have heard more and more about the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) imposing stricter rules on handling personal data. As a layperson, I find it difficult to fully understand and comply with all the regulations and requirements.
I am concerned that I may inadvertently violate the GDPR without realizing it, and I wonder what consequences I could face if I make mistakes in data protection. I do not want to take any risks and would like to know how I can properly structure my data processing in the online shop to avoid legal issues.
Could you please explain to me the most common specific violations of the GDPR that could occur in my case and what fines or penalties I could face if I were to violate them? Are there any specific measures I can take to improve my data protection practices and ensure that I am in compliance with the GDPR?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Hilde Schlüter
Dear Mrs. Schlüter,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and your online shop. It is understandable that as the owner of a small business, you may have difficulties understanding and complying with the complex rules and regulations of the GDPR. However, it is important to be aware of these legal requirements in order to avoid legal issues and potential fines.
First and foremost, it is important to understand that the GDPR aims to ensure the protection of personal data and to make the handling of this data transparent and secure. In case of a breach of the GDPR, various consequences may occur, including fines of up to 20 million euros or 4% of the company's worldwide annual turnover, whichever amount is higher. In addition, compensation claims from affected individuals may also be made.
In your case as the operator of an online shop, common violations of the GDPR could include:
- Missing or insufficient privacy policy on your website
- Lack of customer consent for processing their data
- Insecure transmission and storage of personal data
- Lack of security measures to protect data from unauthorized access
- Inadequate documentation of data processing processes
To avoid these violations and improve your data protection practices, there are some measures you can take:
1. Create a comprehensive and transparent privacy policy informing your customers about the processing of their data.
2. Obtain explicit consent for the processing of personal data from your customers.
3. Implement technical and organizational measures to protect data, such as encryption and regular security checks.
4. Document all data processing processes and comply with retention periods.
It is also recommended to conduct regular training for your employees on data protection to ensure that they understand and comply with the provisions of the GDPR.
I hope this information helps you improve your data protection practices in your online shop and act in compliance with the GDPR. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Andrea Schlattmann
Data Protection Lawyer
