On 7 March 2011 the changes to the Personal Data Protection Act will enter into force. As was explained in the justification of the draft amendment, the need for the changes resulted from the experiences of more than ten years of application of the provisions of the Act.

New solutions introduced into the Personal Data Protection Act are above all the penalties for obstruction of control and for failure to perform decisions, as well as the obligation to respond to the addresses and motions of the Inspector General for Personal Data Protection (GIODO).

The new provisions provide GIODO i.a. with the right to: (1) impose fines for the purpose of enforcement; (2) send i.a. to natural persons and legal persons addresses concerning the personal data protection; (3) file with relevant authorities motions for lawmaking initiatives or for amendment of legal acts in matters concerning personal data protection. Entities which have received an address or a motion from GIODO shall be obliged to assume a standpoint with respect to the same within 30 days from the date of receipt thereof.

Contact: Agnieszka Kocon, legal adviser, Laszczuk & Partners (agnieszka.kocon@laszczuk.pl)