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AEPD Reports an Increase in Complaints with Telecommunications Companies

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Blog

AEPD Reports an Increase in Complaints with Telecommunications Companies

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1 Min Read

Author

Sara Susnjar

Related Locations

Chicago
Paris

Related Topics

Consumer Privacy
Europe Privacy

Related Capabilities

Privacy & Data Security
Technology, Media & Telecommunications

Related Regions

Europe

November 6, 2013

In its recently released annual report outlining activities from last year, the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) reported that it saw a 12 percent increase from 2011 in data protection complaints with major telecommunications companies, such companies accounting for 71 percent of fines leveled by AEPD. More specifically, in its report, the AEPD highlighted four main findings. First, complaints received focused primarily on alleged abuses in the telecommunications and financial services sectors, with a 92% increase in telecommunications-related complaints. The telecommunications sector accounted for 289 of the 863 infringement decisions made by the AEPD. This was the largest share of sanctions, and the largest total fine in the sector amounted to 15.4 million ($21.2 million). Second, 2012, brought a 222% increase in complaints of identity theft. Third, citizens seeking the removal of personal information from websites, and other locations, grew from three requests in 2007 to 181 in 2012. Finally, the AEPD saw a 12% increase, to 226, of requests for international data transfer authorizations, even though it approved approximately the same amount of requests (175) in 2012 as it did in 2011 (175). The most authorizations (290), went to the Asia-Pacific region, with India being the top recipient in the region (27). 63 data transfers were approved by the AEPD to Latin America, with Morocco growing in importance, with 10 authorizations. The combined countries of the Asia-Pacific region and Latin America region surpassed the U.S. as the primary destination for approved data transfers out of Spain.

Tip: This Spanish report highlights an increase in consumer awareness of privacy and privacy rights, as well as increased concerns over identity theft. Companies operating in the region should keep these concerns – and the existence of AEPD enforcement – in mind.

Related Professionals

Related Professionals

Sara Susnjar

Sara Susnjar

This entry has been created for information and planning purposes. It is not intended to be, nor should it be substituted for, legal advice, which turns on specific facts.

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