Data Advocacy for Belgium
Belgium implemented the EU Data Protection Directive 95/46/EC with the Data Protection Act dated 8 December 1992 as amended in 1998 (Act). Enforcement is through the Belgian Data Protection Authority (DPA), called the Commission for the Protection of Privacy. Data protection rules may also be found in, e.g., the Criminal Code, the Act of March 11, 2003 on Certain Legal Aspects of Information Society Services, the Electronic Communications Act of June 13, 2005, and the Act of March 21, 2007 on Surveillance Cameras, as well as in collective bargaining agreements.
Belgium expressed the importance of privacy and data protection by appointing a Secretary of State (i.e. a member of the cabinet assigned to a Minister) responsible for privacy matters, in October 2014.
Commission for the Protection of Privacy Drukpersstraat 35
1000 Brussels
T +32 (0)2 274 48 78
F +32 (0)2 274 48 35
[email protected] www.privacycommission.be
There is no legal requirement in Belgium for organisations to appoint a data protection officer. It is, however, recommended to do so.
The Act requires controllers and processors to take adequate technical and organisational security measures. In relation to this obligation the DPA has issued ‘Security Reference Measures’, which reflect what is to be considered as constituting ‘adequate technical and organisation security measures’. Although the Security Reference Measures are not part of the Act itself and are not legally binding, they are considered authoritative.
The Security Reference Measures recommend controllers to appoint a so called ‘information security officer’. This security officer is responsible for the implementation of the personal data security policy.
The Act does not provide for a general data security breach notification duty for all data controllers.
However, in its recommendation on security measures and data breaches, the DPA recommends that companies notify security breaches in the event of ‘public incidents’. Companies should document notification procedures for data security breach incidents. In case of a ‘public incident’, the DPA should be informed of the causes and damage within 48 hours. A public information campaign will be initiated within 24 to 48 hours after such notification. The DPA does not specify what is to be understood by a ‘public incident’.
The DPA has made a standard data breach notification form available on its website, along with a manual providing guidance on how to complete the form. The form can be completed and filed electronically via the website.
Any Data Controller established in Belgium or, if established outside the European Economic Area, using means located on the Belgian territory for the purpose of its data processing (other than for mere transit purposes) is required to file a notification with the Belgian Privacy Commission before any wholly or partly automated data processing starts. Exemptions to the requirement for notification apply for the processing of data dealing merely with the management of employees’ wages and/or payroll, as well as for mere clientele management, subject to certain conditions.
Opt-in regime: no direct marketing electronic mail can be legally sent without the express consent of the receiver, unless a pre-existing business or commercial relationship exists. (Consent is however not mandated for marketing to legal persons.)
Also, a specific opt out must be offered with each message. Disguised sender identities are prohibited, and a valid return address must be provided.
The term “Opt-Out Rule” means that the sending of e-marketing to the recipient is permitted on an opt-out basis if:
the recipient’s details were originally collected “in the context of a sale”.
the entity sending the marketing is the same legal entity that collected the recipient’s details initially.
the marketing relates to “similar” products and/or services for which the recipient’s details were originally obtained.
the recipient is given the opportunity free of charge to object to the e-marketing, both at the time their details were collected and in each subsequent communication.
Applicable Legislation:
Article XII.13 of the Code of Economic Law
First party e-marketing
(entity that collects the data will send the e-marketing itself)
B2C: Opt-in. Opt-out permitted where Opt-Out Rule applies.
B2B: If sent to an individual B2B e-mail address: Opt-in. Opt-out permitted where Opt-Out Rule applies.
If sent to a generic e-mail address (i.e. info@; sales@ etc): Opt-out.
Third party e-marketing
(entity that collects the data will share with third party partner for e-marketing)
B2C: Opt-in
B2B: Opt-in.
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