Financial Crime World

Hungary’s Data Protection Law: What You Need to Know

As you navigate Hungary’s online landscape, it’s essential to understand the country’s data protection laws and how they affect your privacy. In this article, we’ll break down the key points you need to know.

Data Processing and Cookies

When visiting a website in Hungary, you may be asked to provide personal information or agree to cookie usage. Under the Hungarian Data Protection Act, data controllers must inform individuals about the processing of their personal data and obtain their consent if necessary.

GDPR Exemptions

The Hungarian Data Protection Authority (NAIH) has determined that data processing related to accommodation services does not typically involve a high risk of violating individuals’ rights and freedoms. As a result, the NAIH has exempted this sector from certain GDPR requirements.

Data Processing Principles

Hungary’s data protection law is based on six principles:

  • Transparency: Personal data must be collected and processed in an open and transparent manner.
  • Fairness: The processing of personal data must be fair and lawful.
  • Purpose limitation: Personal data can only be processed for specified, explicit purposes.
  • Data minimization: Only the minimum amount of personal data necessary for the intended purpose should be collected and processed.
  • Accuracy: Personal data must be accurate and up-to-date.
  • Storage limitation: Personal data must be stored for no longer than is necessary for the intended purpose.

These principles ensure that personal data is collected, stored, and processed in a responsible and secure manner.

Controller and Processor Obligations

Data controllers and processors are required to:

  • Notify the NAIH of their processing activities
  • Maintain accurate records
  • Ensure that any international transfers of personal data comply with Hungarian law and EU regulations

Data Protection Impact Assessment

The NAIH has published an open-source software tool to assist data controllers in conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs). Additionally, the authority has provided a list of processing activities that require a DPIA, including those involving:

  • Biometric data
  • Genetic data
  • Profiling

Your Rights as a Data Subject

Under Hungarian law, you have several rights as a data subject, including:

  • The right to access your personal data
  • The right to rectify inaccurate or incomplete personal data
  • The right to erase personal data
  • The right to restrict processing of personal data
  • The right to object to the processing of personal data
  • The right to lodge a complaint with the NAIH if you believe your personal data has been processed unfairly or in violation of the law

Staying Compliant

To ensure compliance with Hungarian data protection laws, it’s essential for data controllers and processors to stay up-to-date on the latest regulations and guidelines. By understanding these requirements, you can better protect your privacy online.

Remember: Your privacy is important, and Hungary’s data protection laws are in place to safeguard your personal information. Be aware of how your data is being processed and take advantage of your rights as a data subject.