Right to erasure

GDPR in Practice: Compliance and Fines

Mamnoon Hadi

Head of Analytics & Insights at Readdle

Case study: Google's 600,000 euros fine

Overview of the case$^1$:

  • In 2020, the Belgian Data Protection Authority (DPA) fined Google Belgium 600,000 euros for failing to comply with an individual's right to erasure under Article 17 of the GDPR

Key facts:

  • The individual requested the deletion of personal data under the right to erasure, Article 17
  • Despite the request being legitimate, Google did not take action within the required time frame of 30 days and failed to inform the individual about the actions
1 https://www.edpb.europa.eu
GDPR in Practice: Compliance and Fines

Case study: Google's 600,000 euros fine

 

  • Respect data subject rights

  • Prioritize transparency - It prevents misunderstandings and reduces legal risks

  • Manage volume and clarity - High request volumes and vague policies lead to compliance nightmares

  • Implement safeguards - Regular audits, clear processes, and a well-trained team form your GDPR survival kit

 

  • Protect your brand - Proactive compliance is cheaper than a fine and better for your reputation

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GDPR in Practice: Compliance and Fines

Impact of these violations

  • The fine was just the start: The real damage was to trust and reputation
  • Reputation matters: Customers lose confidence when privacy is ignored
  • Fixing mistakes is costly: Google likely had to overhaul internal policies
  • Non-compliance hits hard: GDPR breaches cost more than just money

 

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GDPR in Practice: Compliance and Fines

A lesson for all businesses

  • Follow GDPR rules: Mishandling data brings heavy penalties
  • Be transparent: Clear processes build trust and reduce risk
  • Audit often: Spot and fix issues early
  • Train your team: Everyone should know how to handle data
  • Communicate well: Strong systems mean faster responses
  • Stay prepared: GDPR is a test you can't afford to fail

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GDPR in Practice: Compliance and Fines

Let's practice!

GDPR in Practice: Compliance and Fines

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