RGPD

I. Introduction

On 20 June 2018, France adopted Law no. 2018-493 on the protection of personal data, in order to implement the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This law revises and consolidates the 1978 French Data Protection Act.
The French National Commission for Information Technology and Civil Liberties (CNIL), as the national supervisory authority, is responsible for overseeing, guiding, and enforcing the GDPR and its implementing texts in France.
Thus, France has established a personal data protection system that complies with European Union requirements.

II. Scope of Application

The GDPR implementing regulations in France apply to:

any data controller or processor established on French territory;

any organization located outside France that offers goods or services to individuals located in France, or monitors their behavior on French territory.

Regardless of where processing takes place, as soon as it concerns personal data of individuals located in France, the law applies.
It covers automated processing as well as non-automated processing that is part of a filing system.
Activities of an exclusively personal or domestic nature do not fall within its scope.

III. Data Processing Principles

Lawfulness, fairness and transparency: all processing must be based on a clear legal basis and be conducted in a transparent manner.

Purpose limitation: data may only be used for specified and legitimate purposes.

Data minimization: only strictly necessary data should be collected.

Accuracy: data must be accurate and updated regularly.

Storage limitation: data should only be kept for the strictly necessary period, then deleted or anonymized.

Security and confidentiality: appropriate technical and organizational measures must be put in place to prevent any breach, alteration or loss of data.

IV. Data Subjects' Rights

In accordance with the GDPR and French law, individuals have the following rights:

Right to information and access;

Right to rectification;

Right to erasure (right to be forgotten);

Right to restriction of processing;

Right to data portability;

Right to object.

For minors under 15, the processing of their data requires the consent of a parent or legal guardian, and information must be provided to them in clear and understandable language.

V. Processors' Obligations

Processors must:

strictly comply with the written instructions of the data controller;

implement adequate security measures;

assist the data controller in fulfilling their obligations, particularly in responding to data subjects' requests;

notify the data controller without undue delay in the event of a data breach, with the controller then required to inform the CNIL within 72 hours.

Data controllers must maintain a record of processing activities and carry out a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) in cases of high risks.
Certain organizations must also designate a Data Protection Officer (DPO) and register with the CNIL.

VI. International Data Transfers

When a transfer to a country outside the EU is contemplated, the data controller must ensure an adequate level of protection. This can be done via:

an adequacy decision by the European Commission;

or the signing of Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs).

Since the invalidation of the "Privacy Shield" on July 16, 2020, French entities must use the new standard contractual clauses adopted on June 4, 2021, or any other legal mechanism.

VII. Control and Enforcement

The CNIL has extensive powers, including:

issuing warnings or formal notices;

limiting or prohibiting certain processing operations;

imposing fines of up to 20 million euros or 4% of global turnover, whichever is higher.

French law also allows individuals to set guidelines concerning the use of their data after their death. Failing this, processing must comply with current regulations.
The French framework for GDPR implementation aims to guarantee individuals' rights, enhance corporate compliance, and promote trust in the digital environment.

VIII. Contact

Address: 2 Avenue Georges Pompidou, 31500 Toulouse, France

Customer Service Number: +33 6 84 08 16 54

Email: info@philippe-perigot.com

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Central European Time, CET)