Need GDPR Representative Services in the EU? Learn who must appoint one under Article 27, the key differences from a DPO, and how Secure Privacy ensures compliance.
If you target EU residents from outside the EU, you may need to appoint an EU Representative. This is not just a recommendation but a requirement under the GDPR for certain companies.
The EU Representative acts as a critical link between your business, EU regulators, and data subjects, ensuring compliance and efficient communication.
This article will delve into the role of a GDPR Representative, who must appoint one, and the differences between this role and that of a Data Protection Officer (DPO). Finally, we’ll explain how Secure Privacy can assist you in meeting this obligation effectively.
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Under Article 27 of the GDPR, businesses that are not established in the EU but target EU residents—either by offering goods or services or monitoring their behavior—are required to appoint a legal representative within the Union. This rule makes sure that non-EU organizations can be reached and held responsible by EU data subjects and regulatory authorities, even though they don't have a physical location in the region.
The GDPR legal representative acts as the primary point of contact for all data protection-related matters. They facilitate communication between the company, EU regulators, and data subjects, handling inquiries, complaints, and regulatory requests. Importantly, while they represent the organization in the EU, they do not make decisions about data processing activities.
Key GDPR Provisions:
The representative must be physically established in one of the Member States where the organization’s data subjects reside, ensuring they are readily available for local regulators and individuals seeking assistance or clarification.
Not all businesses are obliged to appoint a representative under Article 27 GDPR. Here's who must appoint one:
Failure to appoint a representative can result in fines and enforcement actions under GDPR. These fines can be significant, with penalties reaching up to €10 million or 2% of the company’s total worldwide annual turnover, whichever is higher, depending on the severity of the violation.
It is essential to differentiate between a GDPR Representative and a Data Protection Officer (DPO). While both roles are integral to GDPR compliance, they serve distinct purposes:
GDPR Representative:
Data Protection Officer (DPO):
These roles are not interchangeable, as the Representative addresses external obligations, whereas the DPO focuses on internal governance.While both roles aim to ensure compliance, they have distinct functions and responsibilities.
Appointing a GDPR Representative is straightforward when you partner with the right provider. A representative must:
Secure Privacy provides GDPR Representative services tailored to your needs. Our team ensures compliance with Article 27, so you can focus on your business. We simplify the complex regulatory landscape by acting as your knowledgeable and reliable EU-based partner. With our extensive expertise in data protection laws, we handle communications with EU supervisory authorities and data subjects on your behalf, reducing your compliance burden. By partnering with us, you gain peace of mind knowing your organization is represented by a trusted expert who bridges the gap between your company and EU regulators effectively and efficiently.
