Handbook | Law | Data Protection Law Anonymization of personal data
Preface
Preface The importance of data for the digital transformation of German industry is increasingly becoming the focus of digital policy discussion. In its European strategy for data, the EU Commission aims at creating a single market for data based on European values and standards, which particularly addresses the high level of data protection in Europe. In order to turn the national and European data economy into a successful model solution with a high level of data protection, Europe must now find practical solutions for the use of anonymized data as quickly as possible. After all, anonymized data holds great potential for the economic value chain if they are tapped using statistical and analytical methods. This does not necessitate compromising the level of data protection. Many industrial companies are under constantly increasing competitive pressure, to optimize their data-based production and business processes. For the development of digital business models, they are dependent on the use of anonymized data. In the absence of a sufficiently differentiated legal framework and in view of the lack of technical standards, this is however difficult in practice. GDPR-compliant anonymization of personal data remains a risky undertaking in view of the probable inconsistent interpretation by data protection authorities and the severe fines in the event of a data breach. When in doubt, companies therefore often shy away from the efficient use of anonymized data. Concerns about the violation of data protection regulations should no longer prevent companies from developing digital business models. Europe must significantly increase the pace of legally compliant handling of data if it seriously wants to make up for the digitalization gap and the required data usage. This cross-sector guide is intended to clarify some fundamental questions for companies. Best practice examples from industry will provide guidance on how to anonymize personal data in the most legally secure way. We would be delighted if this guide can make a contribution to the better use of anonymized data in practice.
Iris Plöger
Dr Bertram Burtscher
Member of the executive board Federation of German Industries
Partner, head of the TMT Sector Group (Vienna) Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
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