In April 2026, Microsoft introduced a new feature for Microsoft 365 Copilot: „Flex Routing„. The name sounds harmless. The data protection implications are not. What Is Flex Routing? Flex Routing allows Microsoft to reroute Copilot AI requests to data centres in the US, Canada, or Australia when European data centre capacity runs short. What is […]
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Microsoft Copilot: Flex Routing – Ihre Daten verlassen die EU. Standardmäßig.
Microsoft hat im April 2026 eine neue Funktion für Microsoft 365 Copilot eingeführt: „Flex Routing“. Der Name klingt harmlos. Die datenschutzrechtlichen Folgen sind es nicht. Was ist Flex Routing? Flex Routing ermöglicht es Microsoft, KI-Anfragen über Copilot bei Kapazitätsengpässen in europäischen Rechenzentren an Rechenzentren in den USA, Kanada oder Australien weiterzuleiten. Betroffen ist das sogenannte […]
China’s New Draft Rules for Small Personal Information Controllers
On 3 April 2026 China’s Cyberspace Administration (CAC) published a draft regulation titled the Provisions on Simplified Measures for Personal Information Protection by Small Personal Information Controllers (Draft for Comment) (the „Draft“). The Draft is open for public comment and, once finalized, will introduce a tiered compliance framework under China’s Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL). […]
The CNIL on AI and Data Subject Information: A Practical Guide for Organizations
The information obligation on the processing of personal data is a requirement that persists whenever a processing is performed. This does not exclude the processing of personal data for the purposes of AI models or system development. Those are the cases, for example, where personal data can be used to train the AI model. Last […]
Data Act Implementation in Germany: Enforcement Could be Around the Corner – Organisations Should Act Now
Germany has taken a decisive step towards implementing the EU Data Act. On 26 March 2026, the Bundestag passed the Data Act-Durchführungsgesetz (DADG), establishing the national framework for enforcement. While further legislative steps may still follow before the law formally enters into force, the direction is now clear. For organisations operating in Germany, this marks […]
The Italian DPA’s Fine Against Intesa Sanpaolo: Lessons for Access Management and Data Breach Handling
On 26 March 2026, the Italian data protection authority (Garante per la protezione dei dati personali, „Garante“) fined Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A. €31,800,000. This is one of the largest fines the Garante has ever imposed, and it carries clear lessons for any organisation that processes personal data at scale – not just banks. What Happened Between […]
China’s Face Recognition Regulation: What the New Rules Mean for Businesses
On 1 June 2025, China’s Cyberspace Administration (CAC) brought into force the Measures for the Security Management of Face Recognition Technology Applications (the „Measures“). This landmark regulation is the first piece of dedicated legislation in China governing the use of biometric facial data, and it carries significant implications for any organization processing face recognition data […]
One Click Withdrawal: New Obligations for Online-Shops
On 5 February 2026, Germany passed a new law transposing EU-Directive 2023/2673. Of particular importance are the new requirements regarding the right of consumers to withdraw from contracts via a new online interface: the so-called “withdrawal button”. These obligations will enter into force across the whole European Union at the latest on 19 June 2026. […]
When Access Requests Become Abusive: Key Takeaways from C-526/24 Brillen Rottler
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has clarified in Brillen Rottler (C-526/24) that, in exceptional circumstances, even a first data subject access request (DSAR) may be refused as “manifestly unfounded or excessive” under Article 12 para. 5 GDPR. This is an important development. However, the judgment should not be misunderstood. The Court […]
ICO Guidelines on the New Complaint Handling Requirements in the UK
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 introduced several important regulatory changes to the existing UK data protection framework. One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a formal right for individuals to complain directly to organisations about how their personal data has been handled. This has consequently necessitated organisations to have in […]
Unlawful Profiling and Poor Transparency: Key Takeaways from the Garante’s Fine Against Intesa Sanpaolo
The Italian Data Protection Authority (Garante) has imposed a €17.6 million fine on Intesa Sanpaolo, one of the largest banking groups in Italy, for unlawful processing of personal data affecting approximately 2.4 million customers in the context of their transfer to the digital bank Isybank. What makes this case particularly relevant is not only its […]
Spanish AEDP v FC Barcelona: DPIA Required for Processing Biometric Data
The Spanish Data Protection Authority (AEPD) recently imposed a €500,000 fine on Fútbol Club Barcelona for failing to properly conduct a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) when implementing biometric systems used during the club’s membership census process. This complex decision ultimately focuses on Article 35 GDPR, with the AEPD concluding that the club failed to […]
Biometric Data: Key GDPR Lessons from an AEPD Decision
The Spanish Data Protection Authority (AEPD) recently imposed a €950,000 fine on a company offering digital identity and age verification services that rely on facial analysis technology. The decision is particularly relevant for organisations deploying facial analysis technologies, including AI-based age estimation and identity verification systems that generate biometric templates, as it illustrates how regulators […]
Italian DPA Orders Amazon Entity to Stop Unlawful Employee Data Processing
The Italian Data Protection Authority (Garante per la protezione dei dati personali) has issued an urgent order with immediate effect requiring Amazon Italia Logistica S.r.l. to stop processing personal data relating to more than 1,800 employees at one of its logistics facilities. The investigation revealed multiple violations from a data protection perspective. In particular, the […]
Digital Accessibility and Data Protection: Insights from the Italian Data Protection Authority
Digital accessibility is becoming a central compliance topic across Europe. With the entry into application of the European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882, EAA), EU Member States must ensure that a wide range of digital products and services meet accessibility requirements so that people with disabilities can access them without barriers. These requirements apply to […]