Costs associated with data protection regulations are on the rise, according to a recent survey

In a recent survey conducted by the digital association Bitkom, it has been revealed that data protection regulations are increasingly burdening German companies. The survey, which covered all major industries, was conducted among 603 company representatives and was headed by Dr. Ralf Wintergerst, President of Bitkom.

The results of the survey suggest a significant increase in the workload due to data protection. 97% of the surveyed companies reported having at least a high workload, up from 94% last year. More alarmingly, 44% of the respondents reported a very high workload, a 6 percentage point increase from the same survey conducted a year ago.

Dr. Ralf Wintergerst, in his capacity as Bitkom President, criticized the excessive complexity of data protection. He called for a reduction in documentation and reporting obligations related to data protection, arguing that data protection should be oriented more towards real threats than theoretical risks.

Wintergerst did not call for the abolition of data protection, but rather for it to be adapted to address the real threats that businesses face. He suggested considering technological developments, such as artificial intelligence, in data protection.

The multitude of supervisory authorities in data protection was also criticized by Wintergerst. He emphasized that data protection should be more streamlined and efficient to reduce the burden on businesses.

The survey results indicate that the workload due to data protection has increased in the past year. This increase is a concern for many businesses, as it could potentially hinder their ability to compete in the digital marketplace.

Bitkom reported the survey results, highlighting the need for reform in data protection regulations to better support German businesses. Wintergerst's call for a more practical approach to data protection is likely to resonate with many in the business community, as they strive to navigate the increasingly complex landscape of data protection.

Costs associated with data protection regulations are on the rise, according to a recent survey