Fraudsters exploit the ambiguity around GDPR

The approaching deadline for the entry into force of the Regulation, together with the generally low level of preparedness of individual institutions, is helping to create a climate of fear. And in this atmosphere, some consulting and law firms see an opportunity for easy profit. We therefore advise you to be on your guard.

While the General Data Protection Regulation brings a number of new developments, for institutions that have complied with the existing rules, its adoption should not be dramatic. However, more and more fraudsters are feeding on the confusion and often unnecessary hysteria around the new rules.

Some consulting firms and law firms are offering overpriced analyses to other companies, municipalities and other institutions that are, moreover, usually completely unnecessary. They provide methodologies and propose measures that are in fact not necessary at all and only add fuel to the fire of negative campaigns by some entities.
According to EU Commissioner Věra Jourová, there is unnecessary fear in the Czech Republic about the GDPR. "It is also because of some of the methodologies I have seen, for example for the health sector. They go beyond what the European regulation wants," she said in an interview with EurActiv, adding: "Here in the Czech Republic, we are more papal than the Pope and more Brussels than Brussels."

The adoption of the new regulation does not have to be so complicated. Experts agree that companies and institutions that have ignored existing data protection rules will have the most trouble.

"The low awareness in the Czech Republic is linked to the big surprise of the new rules. They are not that new, we already have a law for that, and the shock of the GDPR reflects the level of non-compliance with the current rules," Jourová concluded.

Practically, the most significant change will be the new Data Protection Officer that each institution will have to have from May. (How to choose one read our article)

So, if you are unsure about something in relation to GDPR and decide to seek professional help, we recommend you beware. Choose proven and experienced advisors. For example, don't hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to help you.