Data Protection - What Can I Do, What Can My Boss Do?

2023 Author : Hannah Pearcy | [email protected] . Last modified: 2023-05-24 11:12

For today's European Data Protection Day, let's take a look at data protection at the workplace: What should you pay attention to at the workplace and what rights does the employer have?

The employer can

Store personal data: Personal data are subject to the right to informal self-determination, which means that you yourself determine what happens to your own personal data. Therefore, the employer may only collect this data if it is necessary for the establishment, performance or termination of the employment relationship. Such data are, for example, the address, the account details or tax information. It is important that the employer can only use the data for the intended purpose.

Right to information: Which data is saved can be viewed by the employer at any time. This includes, for example, the personnel file. Illegal data must be deleted.

Sickness report: In the case of sickness report, there is no obligation towards the employer to name the specific health problems. The doctor is also not allowed to say anything about the exact illness of the worker.

Surveillance at the workplace: Surveillance of the workplace, for example via video cameras, is permitted in principle - but the data itself may only be used if there are specific suspected cases and the data promise to provide information. The employee must be informed of the monitoring. For example, secret surveillance with a keylogger that logs the behavior on the PC is not permitted - even if the employer determines that the employee surfs privately during working hours.

Telecommunications secret: If the employee is not directly prohibited from using the e-mail account privately, the telecommunications secret can take effect after the employee leaves the company. The employer is then not allowed to access the mailbox because sensitive private data could be located there.

Interview: Personal questions such as family planning or possible chronic illnesses have lost nothing in an interview and therefore do not need to be answered or not answered truthfully.

password

This is how a secure password works

Employees must take this into account

Passwords: Secure passwords are required! You should also ensure that it is kept in a safe place and do not stick the passwords on the monitor. Tips on how to create secure passwords.

Screen: If you leave the workplace, you should always lock your own screen.

Keys: If you have a key from work - for example for filing cabinets or the office - it should always be kept carefully. Important files should always be kept locked.

Data carriers: Beware of external data carriers: Viruses are often found on USB sticks you have brought with you.

Confidentiality: Even as an employee, you are subject to confidentiality. Here you should pay attention to the internal rules of the employer. Employees who deal with personal data are also subject to data secrecy.

Garbage: Documents that contain personal or internal company data must not simply end up in the trash, but must be shredded.