On June 27, 2019, the EU Regulation on Information and Communication Technology (Cybersecurity Act or Act) became effective introducing, for the first time, EU-wide rules for the cybersecurity certification of products and services (Certification). The Certification may create a competitive advantage for companies that sell their products and services in the EU. Further, the Certification may act as a catalyst to the anticipated certifications for GDPR-compliance. In addition, the Cybersecurity Act provides for a new…

On April 25, 2019, the new chairman and the four directors of the new Belgian data protection authority were sworn in before the Belgian Parliament. This marks a new era for data protection law in Belgium. Background Following the effective date of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on May 25, 2018, the Belgian Privacy Commission was restructured into a Supervisory Authority under the GDPR, thus becoming the Belgian Data Protection Authority. It was given…

On April 15, 2019, the French Data Protection Authority (CNIL) published its 2018 activity report and announced its 2019 enforcement agenda. The CNIL’s message is clear: if some leniency was tolerated in 2018, this transitional period for GDPR enforcement is now over. Going forward, the CNIL will adopt a stricter approach when investigating companies’ GDPR compliance and make full use of its enforcement powers, including the power to fine. Background As of May 25, 2018, the…