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Denmark: Datatilsynet fines Odsherred Municipality DKK 100,000 - DKK 200,000 for data security failures

On January 11, 2024, the Danish data protection authority (Datatilsynet) announced its decision in which it imposed a fine of DKK 100,000 - DKK 200,000 (approx. $14,892 - $29,514) on the Municipality of Odsherred following a breach of personal data security.

Background to the decision

According to the Datatilsynet, the Municipality reported a breach of personal data security because a work laptop containing sensitive personal data, including social security numbers and information about children, had been stolen at an employee's home. In its investigation, the Datatilsynet noted that the laptop had not been encrypted and that for several years the Municipality had not encrypted its laptops.

Findings

The Datatilsynet stated that the lack of encryption was a serious breach of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements for processing security.

Outcomes

In light of the above, the Datatilsynet imposed a fine of DKK 100,000 - DKK 200,000 (approx. $14, 892 - $29,514) on the Municipality of Odsherred.

You can read the decision, only available in Danish, here.