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Article 42 GDPR offers a controller or processor the voluntary option to obtain a certification for their processing operations, in order to demonstrate compliance with the GDPR. Certification is thus viewed as an accountability framework, promoting both legal compliance and transparency. However, crucial to note is that the mere demonstration of compliance does not ''equal'' compliance per se: controllers and processors must still comply with the full scope of the GDPR, independently of whether they have been certified or not. Similarly, certification does not reduce the responsibility which has been allocated to a controller or processors when it comes to their existing legal obligations. | Article 42 GDPR offers a controller or processor the voluntary option to obtain a certification for their processing operations, in order to demonstrate compliance with the GDPR. Certification is thus viewed as an accountability framework, promoting both legal compliance and transparency. However, crucial to note is that the mere demonstration of compliance does not ''equal'' compliance per se: controllers and processors must still comply with the full scope of the GDPR, independently of whether they have been certified or not. Similarly, certification does not reduce the responsibility which has been allocated to a controller or processors when it comes to their existing legal obligations. | ||
=== Defining | === Defining Certification Mechanisms, Data Protection Seals, and Marks === | ||
Article 42(1) provides that Member States, supervisory authorities, the Board and the Commission shall encourage the “establishment of data protection certification mechanisms”. There is no definition of what a certification constitutes in the GDPR. Therefore, one can turn to the universal definition provided by the International Standards Organisation (ISO), in which certification is defined as “the provision by an independent body of written assurance (a certificate) that the product, service or system in question meets specific requirements.” The EDPB in its Guidelines adopt the definition found in ''EN-ISO/IEC 17000:2004 - Conformity assessment'', and define certification to mean “third party attestation related to processing operations by controllers and processors”. | Article 42(1) GDPR provides that Member States, supervisory authorities, the Board and the Commission shall encourage the “establishment of data protection certification mechanisms”. There is no definition of what a certification constitutes in the GDPR. Therefore, one can turn to the universal definition provided by the International Standards Organisation (ISO), in which certification is defined as “the provision by an independent body of written assurance (a certificate) that the product, service or system in question meets specific requirements.” The EDPB in its Guidelines adopt the definition found in ''EN-ISO/IEC 17000:2004 - Conformity assessment'', and define certification to mean “third party attestation related to processing operations by controllers and processors”. | ||
However, the scope of this definition and Article 42 in general has been critiqued[[Article 42 GDPR#%20ftn1|[1]]] as being limited to the entity that engages in the processing operation. While this makes sense, insofar as it is the data processing operation itself which is certified (as this is where the personal data is handled), one can also make the argument that certification mechanism should be extended to entities providing products or services, but not conducting data processing themselves[[Article 42 GDPR#%20ftn2|[2]]]. | However, the scope of this definition and Article 42 GDPR in general has been critiqued[[Article 42 GDPR#%20ftn1|[1]]] as being limited to the entity that engages in the processing operation. While this makes sense, insofar as it is the data processing operation itself which is certified (as this is where the personal data is handled), one can also make the argument that certification mechanism should be extended to entities providing products or services, but not conducting data processing themselves[[Article 42 GDPR#%20ftn2|[2]]]. | ||
There is also no definition of “data protection seals and marks” to be found in the GDPR. Here general definitions are to be relied upon as well. What is important to note, however, is that a certificate, seal or mark under the GDPR is only issuable following an independent assessment by a supervisory authority or accredited certification body. This is clear from Article 42(5), which details that the criteria through which to assess the controller or processor should be approved pursuant to Article 58(3) GDPR, or by the Board pursuant to Article 63 GDPR. Where such an approval of criteria takes place through the Board, this may give rise to a common certification known as the “European Data Protection Seal”. | There is also no definition of “data protection seals and marks” to be found in the GDPR. Here general definitions are to be relied upon as well. What is important to note, however, is that a certificate, seal or mark under the GDPR is only issuable following an independent assessment by a supervisory authority or accredited certification body. This is clear from Article 42(5) GDPR, which details that the criteria through which to assess the controller or processor should be approved pursuant to [[Article 58 GDPR|Article 58(3) GDPR]], or by the Board pursuant to [[Article 63 GDPR]]. Where such an approval of criteria takes place through the Board, this may give rise to a common certification known as the “European Data Protection Seal”. | ||
=== Demonstrating | === Demonstrating Safeguards Through Data Protection Certification Mechanisms, Seals or Marks === | ||
Article 42(2) also provides that data protection certification mechanisms, seals, or marks approved pursuant to Article 42(5) can be established for the purpose of demonstrating the existence of appropriate safeguards provided by controllers or processors not subject to the GDPR in order to allow for personal data to third countries under the terms referred to in | Article 42(2) GDPR also provides that data protection certification mechanisms, seals, or marks approved pursuant to Article 42(5) GDPR can be established for the purpose of demonstrating the existence of appropriate safeguards provided by controllers or processors not subject to the GDPR in order to allow for personal data to third countries under the terms referred to in Article 46(2)(f) GDPR . | ||
One substantial difference between Article 42(1) and Article 42(2) is that in Article 42(1), the applicant for certification is subject to the GDPR, while in Article 42(2), the applicant is not. The consequence of this is that the certification body must ensure that an applicant not subject to the GDPR is able to nonetheless able to be monitored by the certification body for compliance with its certification obligations. This follows from the wording of Article 42(2), which specifies that such third-country controllers or processors are to make binding and enforceable commitments to apply the safeguards. In other words, the certification body must be able to monitor these commitments. | One substantial difference between Article 42(1) GDPR and Article 42(2) GDPR is that in Article 42(1) GDPR, the applicant for certification is subject to the GDPR, while in Article 42(2) GDPR, the applicant is not. The consequence of this is that the certification body must ensure that an applicant not subject to the GDPR is able to nonetheless able to be monitored by the certification body for compliance with its certification obligations. This follows from the wording of Article 42(2) GDPR, which specifies that such third-country controllers or processors are to make binding and enforceable commitments to apply the safeguards. In other words, the certification body must be able to monitor these commitments. | ||
=== Certification as a | === Certification as a Voluntary Act that does not Reduce Compliance Obligations === | ||
Article 42(3) specifies that the act of certification is voluntary, and that it must be an option that is available to controllers or processors via a process that is transparent. To aid with transparency, certification bodies which approve certification mechanisms, seals or marks should provide easily accessible information which is meaningful and intelligible about the certification process. | Article 42(3) GDPR specifies that the act of certification is voluntary, and that it must be an option that is available to controllers or processors via a process that is transparent. To aid with transparency, certification bodies which approve certification mechanisms, seals or marks should provide easily accessible information which is meaningful and intelligible about the certification process. | ||
Important to note, is that there is no obligation under the GDPR to become ‘certified’ as a controller or processor. Instead, certification can help demonstrate compliance with the GDPR. However, as Article 42(4) expressly makes clear, the act of becoming certified does not reduce the responsibility of the controller or processor in complying with the GDPR, and is without prejudice to the task and powers of the supervisory authorities which are competent pursuant to Article 55 | Important to note, is that there is no obligation under the GDPR to become ‘certified’ as a controller or processor. Instead, certification can help demonstrate compliance with the GDPR. However, as Article 42(4) GDPR expressly makes clear, the act of becoming certified does not reduce the responsibility of the controller or processor in complying with the GDPR, and is without prejudice to the task and powers of the supervisory authorities which are competent pursuant to [[Article 55 GDPR|Articles 55, 56 GDPR]]. | ||
=== Certification can be | === Certification can be Issued Through a Certification Body or by the Competent Supervisory Authority === | ||
As expressed in Article 42(5), certification of a processing operation can be done either by the certification bodies referred to in Article 43, or by the competent supervisory authority, but both must follow the certification criteria, which will have previously been approved by the competent supervisory authority or the EDPB. | As expressed in Article 42(5) GDPR, certification of a processing operation can be done either by the certification bodies referred to in [[Article 43 GDPR]], or by the competent supervisory authority, but both must follow the certification criteria, which will have previously been approved by the competent supervisory authority or the EDPB. | ||
Whether the act of certification is done by the certification body or the supervisory authority does not change much for the controller or processor seeking certification. However, when issuing the certification, the certification body and supervisory authority must take into account | Whether the act of certification is done by the certification body or the supervisory authority does not change much for the controller or processor seeking certification. However, when issuing the certification, the certification body and supervisory authority must take into account the following things. | ||
==== Certification | ==== Certification Through a Certification Body ==== | ||
A certification body must issue, review, renew and withdraw certifications (Article 42(5) and 42(7), on the basis of the certification criteria approved by the supervisory authority or the EDPB. | A certification body must issue, review, renew and withdraw certifications (Article 42(5) GDPR and 42(7) GDPR, on the basis of the certification criteria approved by the supervisory authority or the EDPB. | ||
According to Article 42(7), certification can be issued for a maximum period of three years. However, a certification body can also withdraw the certification, if the criteria for the certification are no longer being met. he certification body must provide supervisory authorities with information regarding individual certifications, as this is necessary to monitor how the certification mechanism has been applied (Article 42(7), 43(5), and 58(2)(h))[[Article 42 GDPR#%20ftn3|[3]]]. | According to Article 42(7) GDPR, certification can be issued for a maximum period of three years. However, a certification body can also withdraw the certification, if the criteria for the certification are no longer being met. he certification body must provide supervisory authorities with information regarding individual certifications, as this is necessary to monitor how the certification mechanism has been applied (Article 42(7) GDPR, [[Article 43 GDPR|Article 43(5) GDPR]], and [[Article 58 GDPR|Article 58(2)(h) GDPR]])[[Article 42 GDPR#%20ftn3|[3]]]. | ||
==== Certification | ==== Certification Through a Supervisory Authority ==== | ||
Where a supervisory authority is to conduct certification pursuant to Article 42(5), the EDPB reminds that the supervisory authority will have to carefully assess its role regarding its assigned tasks under the GDPR[[Article 42 GDPR#%20ftn4|[4]]]. In particular, the separation of powers should be taken into account, to ensure that any conflicts of interest are avoided. | Where a supervisory authority is to conduct certification pursuant to Article 42(5) GDPR, the EDPB reminds that the supervisory authority will have to carefully assess its role regarding its assigned tasks under the GDPR[[Article 42 GDPR#%20ftn4|[4]]]. In particular, the separation of powers should be taken into account, to ensure that any conflicts of interest are avoided. | ||
The supervisory authority must both ensure that a certification mechanism has been properly set up, and that it has either developed its own or adopted a certification criterion. Furthermore, issued certifications by the supervisory authority are to be periodically reviewed (as required by Article 57(1)(o)). The supervisory authority can also withdraw a certification if its requirements are no longer being met (as provided for in Article 58(2)(h)). | The supervisory authority must both ensure that a certification mechanism has been properly set up, and that it has either developed its own or adopted a certification criterion. Furthermore, issued certifications by the supervisory authority are to be periodically reviewed (as required by [[Article 57 GDPR|Article 57(1)(o) GDPR]]). The supervisory authority can also withdraw a certification if its requirements are no longer being met (as provided for in [[Article 58 GDPR|Article 58(2)(h) GDPR]]). | ||
=== Developing a | === Developing a Certification Criterion === | ||
In order for processing operations to become certified, they need to be assessed with reference to certification criteria (Article 42(5)). | In order for processing operations to become certified, they need to be assessed with reference to certification criteria (Article 42(5) GDPR). | ||
These criteria must be approved either by the competent supervisory authority, or the EDPB. The development of this certification criterion should focus on “verifiability, significance, and suitability” in order to demonstrate compliance with the GDPR[[Article 42 GDPR#%20ftn5|[5]]]. The EDPB also gives guidance on which aspects are to be taken into account when drafting a certification criterion. These include: | These criteria must be approved either by the competent supervisory authority, or the EDPB. The development of this certification criterion should focus on “verifiability, significance, and suitability” in order to demonstrate compliance with the GDPR[[Article 42 GDPR#%20ftn5|[5]]]. The EDPB also gives guidance on which aspects are to be taken into account when drafting a certification criterion. These include: | ||
· the lawfulness of processing pursuant to Article 6; | · the lawfulness of processing pursuant to [[Article 6 GDPR]]; | ||
· the principles of data processing pursuant to Article 5; | · the principles of data processing pursuant to [[Article 5 GDPR]]; | ||
· the data subjects’ rights pursuant to Articles 12-23; | · the data subjects’ rights pursuant to [[Article 12 GDPR|Articles 12-23 GDPR]]; | ||
· the obligation to notify data breaches pursuant to Article 33; | · the obligation to notify data breaches pursuant to [[Article 33 GDPR]]; | ||
· the obligation of data protection by design and by default, pursuant to Article 25; | · the obligation of data protection by design and by default, pursuant to [[Article 25 GDPR]]; | ||
· whether a data protection impact assessment, pursuant to Article 35(7)(d) has been conducted, if applicable; and | · whether a data protection impact assessment, pursuant to [[Article 35 GDPR|Article 35(7)(d) GDPR]] has been conducted, if applicable; and | ||
· the technical and organizational measures put in place pursuant to Article 32[[Article 42 GDPR#%20ftn6|[6]]]. | · the technical and organizational measures put in place pursuant to [[Article 32 GDPR]][[Article 42 GDPR#%20ftn6|[6]]]. | ||
However, these aspects may be given varying weight and consideration, depending on what the scope of the certification is. | However, these aspects may be given varying weight and consideration, depending on what the scope of the certification is. | ||
=== Approving a | === Approving a Certification Criterion === | ||
When a supervisory authority is responsible for approving the certification criterion, it must do so prior to or during the accreditation process for a certification body[[Article 42 GDPR#%20ftn7|[7]]]. A supervisory authority must not discriminate towards an entity, and must ensure that it handles all requests for approval of certification criteria fairly. It must also make publicly available its procedure for approval. Once the certification criterion has been approved by the supervisory authority, a certification body can only issue certification in a Member State in accordance with that criteria. | When a supervisory authority is responsible for approving the certification criterion, it must do so prior to or during the accreditation process for a certification body[[Article 42 GDPR#%20ftn7|[7]]]. A supervisory authority must not discriminate towards an entity, and must ensure that it handles all requests for approval of certification criteria fairly. It must also make publicly available its procedure for approval. Once the certification criterion has been approved by the supervisory authority, a certification body can only issue certification in a Member State in accordance with that criteria. | ||
Alternatively, the certification criterion can also be approved by the EDPB (in which case it will form a European Data Protection Seal). However, such creation and approval of a European Data Protection Seal may prove complicated and will be subject to continuous change, as an EU-wide mechanism will need to be adaptable to take into account national regulations that may be sector-specific. Once a criterion has been identified as suitable for a common certification, and has also been approved by the Board, then certification bodies “may be accredited to conduct certification under these criteria at Union level”[[Article 42 GDPR#%20ftn8|[8]]]. | Alternatively, the certification criterion can also be approved by the EDPB (in which case it will form a European Data Protection Seal). However, such creation and approval of a European Data Protection Seal may prove complicated and will be subject to continuous change, as an EU-wide mechanism will need to be adaptable to take into account national regulations that may be sector-specific. Once a criterion has been identified as suitable for a common certification, and has also been approved by the Board, then certification bodies “may be accredited to conduct certification under these criteria at Union level”[[Article 42 GDPR#%20ftn8|[8]]]. | ||
=== What | === What Processing Operations can be Certified Under the GDPR === | ||
In identifying which processing operations can be certified, the EDPB suggests that three components are considered. These include: | In identifying which processing operations can be certified, the EDPB suggests that three components are considered. These include: | ||
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Each processing operation is to be assessed against the set of certification criteria. It is also important to note that a use case must be provided in order to assess the compliance of the processing operation with the certification criteria. | Each processing operation is to be assessed against the set of certification criteria. It is also important to note that a use case must be provided in order to assess the compliance of the processing operation with the certification criteria. | ||
Once a processing operation has been certified, a certification can be issued to a controller or processor for a maximum of three years (Article 42(7)), and can be renewed if all of the criteria of the certification mechanism have been met. | Once a processing operation has been certified, a certification can be issued to a controller or processor for a maximum of three years (Article 42(7) GDPR), and can be renewed if all of the criteria of the certification mechanism have been met. | ||
Making certification mechanisms, and data protection seals and marks available in a register | Making certification mechanisms, and data protection seals and marks available in a register | ||
Article 42(8) requires that the EDPB collate all certification mechanisms and data protection seals and marks in a register, and make them publicly available by any appropriate means. The aim of this exercise is to promote transparency of the certification mechanism. | Article 42(8) GDPR requires that the EDPB collate all certification mechanisms and data protection seals and marks in a register, and make them publicly available by any appropriate means. The aim of this exercise is to promote transparency of the certification mechanism. | ||
=== Conclusion === | === Conclusion === | ||
Revision as of 10:20, 19 August 2021
Legal Text
1. The Member States, the supervisory authorities, the Board and the Commission shall encourage, in particular at Union level, the establishment of data protection certification mechanisms and of data protection seals and marks, for the purpose of demonstrating compliance with this Regulation of processing operations by controllers and processors. The specific needs of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises shall be taken into account.
2. In addition to adherence by controllers or processors subject to this Regulation, data protection certification mechanisms, seals or marks approved pursuant to paragraph 5 of this Article may be established for the purpose of demonstrating the existence of appropriate safeguards provided by controllers or processors that are not subject to this Regulation pursuant to Article 3 within the framework of personal data transfers to third countries or international organisations under the terms referred to in point (f) of Article 46(2). Such controllers or processors shall make binding and enforceable commitments, via contractual or other legally binding instruments, to apply those appropriate safeguards, including with regard to the rights of data subjects.
3. The certification shall be voluntary and available via a process that is transparent.
4. A certification pursuant to this Article does not reduce the responsibility of the controller or the processor for compliance with this Regulation and is without prejudice to the tasks and powers of the supervisory authorities which are competent pursuant to Article 55 or 56.
5. A certification pursuant to this Article shall be issued by the certification bodies referred to in Article 43 or by the competent supervisory authority, on the basis of criteria approved by that competent supervisory authority pursuant to Article 58(3) or by the Board pursuant to Article 63. Where the criteria are approved by the Board, this may result in a common certification, the European Data Protection Seal.
6. The controller or processor which submits its processing to the certification mechanism shall provide the certification body referred to in Article 43, or where applicable, the competent supervisory authority, with all information and access to its processing activities which are necessary to conduct the certification procedure.
7. Certification shall be issued to a controller or processor for a maximum period of three years and may be renewed, under the same conditions, provided that the relevant requirements continue to be met. Certification shall be withdrawn, as applicable, by the certification bodies referred to in Article 43 or by the competent supervisory authority where the requirements for the certification are not or are no longer met.
8. The Board shall collate all certification mechanisms and data protection seals and marks in a register and shall make them publicly available by any appropriate means.
Relevant Recitals
In order to enhance transparency and compliance with this Regulation, the establishment of certification mechanisms and data protection seals and marks should be encouraged, allowing data subjects to quickly assess the level of data protection of relevant products and services.
Commentary
Overview
Article 42 GDPR offers a controller or processor the voluntary option to obtain a certification for their processing operations, in order to demonstrate compliance with the GDPR. Certification is thus viewed as an accountability framework, promoting both legal compliance and transparency. However, crucial to note is that the mere demonstration of compliance does not equal compliance per se: controllers and processors must still comply with the full scope of the GDPR, independently of whether they have been certified or not. Similarly, certification does not reduce the responsibility which has been allocated to a controller or processors when it comes to their existing legal obligations.
Defining Certification Mechanisms, Data Protection Seals, and Marks
Article 42(1) GDPR provides that Member States, supervisory authorities, the Board and the Commission shall encourage the “establishment of data protection certification mechanisms”. There is no definition of what a certification constitutes in the GDPR. Therefore, one can turn to the universal definition provided by the International Standards Organisation (ISO), in which certification is defined as “the provision by an independent body of written assurance (a certificate) that the product, service or system in question meets specific requirements.” The EDPB in its Guidelines adopt the definition found in EN-ISO/IEC 17000:2004 - Conformity assessment, and define certification to mean “third party attestation related to processing operations by controllers and processors”.
However, the scope of this definition and Article 42 GDPR in general has been critiqued[1] as being limited to the entity that engages in the processing operation. While this makes sense, insofar as it is the data processing operation itself which is certified (as this is where the personal data is handled), one can also make the argument that certification mechanism should be extended to entities providing products or services, but not conducting data processing themselves[2].
There is also no definition of “data protection seals and marks” to be found in the GDPR. Here general definitions are to be relied upon as well. What is important to note, however, is that a certificate, seal or mark under the GDPR is only issuable following an independent assessment by a supervisory authority or accredited certification body. This is clear from Article 42(5) GDPR, which details that the criteria through which to assess the controller or processor should be approved pursuant to Article 58(3) GDPR, or by the Board pursuant to Article 63 GDPR. Where such an approval of criteria takes place through the Board, this may give rise to a common certification known as the “European Data Protection Seal”.
Demonstrating Safeguards Through Data Protection Certification Mechanisms, Seals or Marks
Article 42(2) GDPR also provides that data protection certification mechanisms, seals, or marks approved pursuant to Article 42(5) GDPR can be established for the purpose of demonstrating the existence of appropriate safeguards provided by controllers or processors not subject to the GDPR in order to allow for personal data to third countries under the terms referred to in Article 46(2)(f) GDPR .
One substantial difference between Article 42(1) GDPR and Article 42(2) GDPR is that in Article 42(1) GDPR, the applicant for certification is subject to the GDPR, while in Article 42(2) GDPR, the applicant is not. The consequence of this is that the certification body must ensure that an applicant not subject to the GDPR is able to nonetheless able to be monitored by the certification body for compliance with its certification obligations. This follows from the wording of Article 42(2) GDPR, which specifies that such third-country controllers or processors are to make binding and enforceable commitments to apply the safeguards. In other words, the certification body must be able to monitor these commitments.
Certification as a Voluntary Act that does not Reduce Compliance Obligations
Article 42(3) GDPR specifies that the act of certification is voluntary, and that it must be an option that is available to controllers or processors via a process that is transparent. To aid with transparency, certification bodies which approve certification mechanisms, seals or marks should provide easily accessible information which is meaningful and intelligible about the certification process.
Important to note, is that there is no obligation under the GDPR to become ‘certified’ as a controller or processor. Instead, certification can help demonstrate compliance with the GDPR. However, as Article 42(4) GDPR expressly makes clear, the act of becoming certified does not reduce the responsibility of the controller or processor in complying with the GDPR, and is without prejudice to the task and powers of the supervisory authorities which are competent pursuant to Articles 55, 56 GDPR.
Certification can be Issued Through a Certification Body or by the Competent Supervisory Authority
As expressed in Article 42(5) GDPR, certification of a processing operation can be done either by the certification bodies referred to in Article 43 GDPR, or by the competent supervisory authority, but both must follow the certification criteria, which will have previously been approved by the competent supervisory authority or the EDPB.
Whether the act of certification is done by the certification body or the supervisory authority does not change much for the controller or processor seeking certification. However, when issuing the certification, the certification body and supervisory authority must take into account the following things.
Certification Through a Certification Body
A certification body must issue, review, renew and withdraw certifications (Article 42(5) GDPR and 42(7) GDPR, on the basis of the certification criteria approved by the supervisory authority or the EDPB.
According to Article 42(7) GDPR, certification can be issued for a maximum period of three years. However, a certification body can also withdraw the certification, if the criteria for the certification are no longer being met. he certification body must provide supervisory authorities with information regarding individual certifications, as this is necessary to monitor how the certification mechanism has been applied (Article 42(7) GDPR, Article 43(5) GDPR, and Article 58(2)(h) GDPR)[3].
Certification Through a Supervisory Authority
Where a supervisory authority is to conduct certification pursuant to Article 42(5) GDPR, the EDPB reminds that the supervisory authority will have to carefully assess its role regarding its assigned tasks under the GDPR[4]. In particular, the separation of powers should be taken into account, to ensure that any conflicts of interest are avoided.
The supervisory authority must both ensure that a certification mechanism has been properly set up, and that it has either developed its own or adopted a certification criterion. Furthermore, issued certifications by the supervisory authority are to be periodically reviewed (as required by Article 57(1)(o) GDPR). The supervisory authority can also withdraw a certification if its requirements are no longer being met (as provided for in Article 58(2)(h) GDPR).
Developing a Certification Criterion
In order for processing operations to become certified, they need to be assessed with reference to certification criteria (Article 42(5) GDPR).
These criteria must be approved either by the competent supervisory authority, or the EDPB. The development of this certification criterion should focus on “verifiability, significance, and suitability” in order to demonstrate compliance with the GDPR[5]. The EDPB also gives guidance on which aspects are to be taken into account when drafting a certification criterion. These include:
· the lawfulness of processing pursuant to Article 6 GDPR;
· the principles of data processing pursuant to Article 5 GDPR;
· the data subjects’ rights pursuant to Articles 12-23 GDPR;
· the obligation to notify data breaches pursuant to Article 33 GDPR;
· the obligation of data protection by design and by default, pursuant to Article 25 GDPR;
· whether a data protection impact assessment, pursuant to Article 35(7)(d) GDPR has been conducted, if applicable; and
· the technical and organizational measures put in place pursuant to Article 32 GDPR[6].
However, these aspects may be given varying weight and consideration, depending on what the scope of the certification is.
Approving a Certification Criterion
When a supervisory authority is responsible for approving the certification criterion, it must do so prior to or during the accreditation process for a certification body[7]. A supervisory authority must not discriminate towards an entity, and must ensure that it handles all requests for approval of certification criteria fairly. It must also make publicly available its procedure for approval. Once the certification criterion has been approved by the supervisory authority, a certification body can only issue certification in a Member State in accordance with that criteria.
Alternatively, the certification criterion can also be approved by the EDPB (in which case it will form a European Data Protection Seal). However, such creation and approval of a European Data Protection Seal may prove complicated and will be subject to continuous change, as an EU-wide mechanism will need to be adaptable to take into account national regulations that may be sector-specific. Once a criterion has been identified as suitable for a common certification, and has also been approved by the Board, then certification bodies “may be accredited to conduct certification under these criteria at Union level”[8].
What Processing Operations can be Certified Under the GDPR
In identifying which processing operations can be certified, the EDPB suggests that three components are considered. These include:
1. The personal data involved
2. The technical systems used to process the personal data
3. The processes and procedures related to the processing operations
Each processing operation is to be assessed against the set of certification criteria. It is also important to note that a use case must be provided in order to assess the compliance of the processing operation with the certification criteria.
Once a processing operation has been certified, a certification can be issued to a controller or processor for a maximum of three years (Article 42(7) GDPR), and can be renewed if all of the criteria of the certification mechanism have been met.
Making certification mechanisms, and data protection seals and marks available in a register
Article 42(8) GDPR requires that the EDPB collate all certification mechanisms and data protection seals and marks in a register, and make them publicly available by any appropriate means. The aim of this exercise is to promote transparency of the certification mechanism.
Conclusion
Certification is an accountability framework through which controllers and processors can demonstrate their compliance with the GDPR. Although certification mechanisms are a step towards compliance, heavy emphasis is placed on the notion that in itself, certification cannot substitute for compliance with existing legal obligations.
[1] Kühling & Buchner, Datenschutz Grundverordnung / BDSG, 2018, pg. 796.
[2] Kühling & Buchner, pg. 796.
[3] European Data Protection Board (EDPB), Guidelines 1/2018 on certification and identifying certification criteria in accordance with Articles 42 and 43 of the Regulation, 4 June 2019, pg. 11.
[4] EDPB Guidelines 1/2018, pg. 10.
[5] EDPB Guidelines 1/2018, pg. 15.
[6] Criteria drawn from EDPB Guidelines 1/2018, pg. 15.
[7] EDPB Guidelines 1/2018, pg. 12.
[8] EDPB Guidelines 1/2018, pg. 14.
Decisions
→ You can find all related decisions in Category:Article 42 GDPR
