Company development

Company development

Company development

The best tips for complying with the data protection laws in your company

Mar 31, 2025

Introduction

Data protection is an important part of corporate management today. Due to digitalization and the increasing amount of personal data being processed, it is essential for Swiss companies to comply with data protection laws.

The DSGVO (EU General Data Protection Regulation) affects not only companies in the EU, but also Swiss companies that:

  • Offer goods or services in the EU

  • Monitor the behavior of EU citizens

In this article, you will find practical tips on how to design your data protection concept in compliance with the law. We show you how to efficiently implement legal requirements while safeguarding your business interests. An important step in this is the creation of a legally compliant data protection declaration that contains all necessary information and complies with legal requirements. This article offers you the following information:

  • Basics of the data protection law

  • Creation of a data protection declaration for your company

  • Implementation of effective data protection measures

  • Conclusion: Successful implementation of the data protection law

Basics of the data protection law

The General Data Protection Regulation (DSGVO) defines clear rights for individuals whose data are processed by companies. These rights strengthen the position of those affected and create binding obligations for companies.

Rights of the data subjects

The DSGVO grants individuals the following key rights in handling their personal data:

  • Right to information: Transparent clarification about the processing of the data

  • Right of access: Detailed insight into stored personal data

  • Right to rectification: Correction of incorrect or incomplete data

  • Right to erasure: Complete removal of the data ("right to be forgotten")

  • Right to data portability: Transfer of data to other service providers

  • Right to object: Appeal against the processing of data

For companies, this means implementing technical and organizational measures to ensure these rights. The scope of the DSGVO extends, among other things, to:

  • Structured data sets in IT systems

  • Paper-based documents with personal information

  • Digital communication and documentation

  • Customer databases and CRM systems

The practical implementation of data protection requires various fundamental measures in companies. First, documented processes for handling requests from individuals must be established to ensure a structured and traceable process. It is also essential to define clear responsibilities and binding response times to ensure efficient handling. Another important aspect is the implementation of secure systems for identity verification to prevent unauthorized access to personal data. Finally, traceable deletion concepts must be developed to guarantee legally compliant data destruction.

The lawful handling of these rights protects companies from legal consequences and strengthens customers' trust in data processing.

Penalties for violations of the DSGVO

The non-compliance with the DSGVO can have serious financial consequences for companies:

  • High fines

  • Claims for damages by affected individuals in case of data protection violations

  • Reputational damage due to public disclosure of violations

  • Forced cessation of data processing by supervisory authorities

The Swiss data protection authorities can additionally:

  • Impose sanctions

  • Initiate criminal proceedings against responsible persons

  • Oblige companies to adapt their data processing processes

These strict sanctions emphasize the importance of legally compliant implementation of data protection measures in everyday business life.

Creation of a data protection declaration for your company

A legally compliant data protection declaration is essential for the lawful processing of personal data in your company. This declaration serves to inform your users transparently about all relevant aspects of data collection and processing. The type of data collected is detailed, and the specific purpose of processing is outlined. The duration of data storage as well as the legal bases on which the processing is based are also clearly communicated. Another important component is the information about the possible transfer of data to third parties. This comprehensive transparency creates trust among users and ensures compliance with legal requirements.

Structural elements of a professional data protection declaration

A data protection declaration typically contains the following essential components:

  • Responsible body - Name and contact details of the company

  • Data collection - Detailed list of all collected data categories

  • Purposes of processing - Precise description of the purposes of use

  • Storage duration - Period of data storage

  • Rights of the data subjects - Information on access and objection rights


Implementation of effective data protection measures in your company

The implementation of effective data protection measures requires systematic processes and technical solutions. A structured approach guarantees the legal processing of personal data.

Automation and compliance with software solutions

Modern software solutions offer integrated data protection management systems:

  • Document management systems with automatic encryption

  • Access controls with two-factor authentication

  • Automatic deletion routines after the retention periods

  • Logging systems for tracking data access

The integration of specialized software optimizes data protection processes in many ways. The automatic detection of sensitive data enables reliable identification of information that needs protection in the corporate context. By processing according to defined data protection guidelines, it is ensured that all processes meet current requirements. The central management of consent forms simplifies the organization and documentation of user rights significantly. Particularly valuable is the automated update of data protection documentation, which ensures continuous compliance and significantly reduces administrative effort.

Employee training as the key to successful data protection

Regular employee training forms the basis for effective data protection in companies. A structured training program includes:

  • Basic data protection principles: Raising awareness for the secure handling of personal data

  • Practical exercises: Simulation of data protection-relevant situations from everyday work

  • Documentation guidelines: Correct documentation of data processing operations

  • Incident response: Instructions for action in case of data protection breaches

The integration of e-learning platforms enables flexible, individualized training modules. Employees learn how to use encryption technologies, secure password practices, and the correct handling of customer data. A special focus is placed on identifying phishing attempts and social engineering attacks through practical examples.

Conclusion: Successful implementation of the data protection law in your company

Consistent compliance with the data protection law is the foundation for sustainable business success. A professional data protection strategy not only protects sensitive information but also strengthens the trust your customers have in your company.

Key recommendations for action:

  • Establish a systematic data protection management

  • Regularly train your employees

  • Rely on modern technology solutions for automation

  • Conduct regular security audits

  • Document all data protection measures comprehensively

  • The legally compliant implementation of the data protection requirements requires expertise and continuous adaptation to new developments.

Act now

Invest in professional data protection – we will support you on this path. Jurata AG offers long-standing legal expertise and creates a data protection declaration tailored to your company.

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