Since the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect in May 2018, data breaches have seen a significant rise across Europe. The United Kingdom has emerged as one of the top three countries with the highest number of reported breaches. This data highlights the increasing need for stringent data protection measures.
GDPR and Its Impact on Data Breaches
The introduction of the GDPR has fundamentally altered the landscape of data protection in Europe. With over 59,000 personal data breaches reported across the continent, organisations are now facing unprecedented compliance risks. The UK alone has recorded 10,600 breaches, making it one of the most affected countries.
Ross McKean, a partner specialising in cyber and data protection at DLA Piper, emphasised, “The GDPR completely changes the compliance risk for organisations which suffer a personal data breach due to revenue-based fines and the potential for US-style group litigation claims for compensation.”
Top Countries for Data Breaches
According to DLA Piper’s GDPR Data Breach survey, the Netherlands tops the list with 15,400 reported breaches, followed by Germany with 12,600. The UK ranks third, reflecting its significant vulnerability.
In stark contrast, Liechtenstein reported the lowest number of breaches, with only 15 cases. This disparity underscores the varying levels of data protection and compliance across Europe.
Fines and Sanctions Under GDPR
There have been 91 fines reported so far for breaches of the GDPR.
The most substantial fine to date, €50 million, was imposed on Google by French authorities on 21 January 2019. This penalty was related to the processing of personal data for advertising purposes without valid authorisation.
Future Expectations
Sam Millar, a partner at DLA Piper who specialises in cyber and large-scale investigations, stated, “The regulators have already started to flex their muscles with 91 GDPR fines imposed to date, but the fine against Google is a landmark moment and is notable partly because it is not related to personal data breach.”
Millar further commented that the regulators are likely to impose higher fines for data breaches in the future, given the more acute risk of harm to individuals.
Impact on Organisations
The GDPR has compelled organisations to prioritise data protection like never before.
The fear of substantial fines and the potential for group litigation claims have forced companies to reassess their data management practices.
Organisations are now investing heavily in cybersecurity measures to mitigate the risk of breaches and ensure compliance with the stringent GDPR requirements.
Public Awareness and Data Breach Reporting
The GDPR’s mandatory breach notification laws are driving personal data breaches into the open. This transparency is crucial in holding organisations accountable for their data management practices.
Public awareness of data protection rights has also increased, leading to higher expectations from organisations to protect personal data vigilantly.
Long-Term Implications
In the long term, the GDPR is expected to lead to more robust data protection frameworks across Europe. However, this will require continuous effort from both regulators and organisations to keep pace with evolving data protection challenges.
The surge in data breaches since the implementation of the GDPR underscores the critical need for robust data protection measures. While the UK remains one of the top three countries for reported breaches, the stringent penalties and increasing public awareness are likely to drive better compliance in the future. Continuous efforts from organisations and regulators are essential to enhance data security and protect individuals’ privacy.