If you target EU residents from outside the EU, you may need to appoint an EU Representative. This is not just a recommendation but a requirement under the GDPR for certain companies. 

The EU Representative acts as a critical link between your business, EU regulators, and data subjects, ensuring compliance and efficient communication. 

This article will delve into the role of a GDPR Representative, who must appoint one, and the differences between this role and that of a Data Protection Officer (DPO). Finally, we’ll explain how Secure Privacy can assist you in meeting this obligation effectively.

What is a Legal Representative under Article 27 GDPR?

Under Article 27 of the GDPR, businesses that are not established in the EU but target EU residents—either by offering goods or services or monitoring their behavior—are required to appoint a legal representative within the Union. This rule makes sure that non-EU organizations can be reached and held responsible by EU data subjects and regulatory authorities, even though they don't have a physical location in the region.

The GDPR legal representative acts as the primary point of contact for all data protection-related matters. They facilitate communication between the company, EU regulators, and data subjects, handling inquiries, complaints, and regulatory requests. Importantly, while they represent the organization in the EU, they do not make decisions about data processing activities.

Key GDPR Provisions:

• Article 27(1): "Where Article 3(2) applies, the controller or the processor shall designate in writing a representative in the Union."
• Recital 80: "In order to ensure compliance with this Regulation in cases where the controller or the processor is not established in the Union, a representative should be designated by the controller or processor. Any supervisory authority may address the representative, who will act on behalf of the controller or processor. The designation of such a representative does not affect the responsibility or liability of the controller or of the processor under this Regulation. Such a representative should perform its tasks according to the mandate received from the controller or processor, including cooperating with the competent supervisory authorities on any action taken to ensure compliance with this Regulation."

The representative must be physically established in one of the Member States where the organization’s data subjects reside, ensuring they are readily available for local regulators and individuals seeking assistance or clarification.

Who Must Appoint a Legal Representative?

Not all businesses are obliged to appoint a representative under Article 27 GDPR. Here's who must appoint one:

• Non-EU Businesses: Any organization that processes personal data of EU residents for purposes of offering goods or services or monitoring behavior must appoint a representative unless:
• The processing is occasional and does not include large-scale processing of sensitive data. Large-scale processing generally refers to extensive activities involving a significant volume of data subjects, data sets, or geographic scope. According to the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) guidelines, examples include hospital systems processing patient data, an insurance company handling customer health records, or a search engine processing data on individuals within the EU. These activities typically involve regular and systematic processing that may significantly affect data subjects.
• The organization employs fewer than 250 people, and the processing is not high risk. According to the EDPB guidelines, processing is considered high risk when it involves activities such as large-scale monitoring of individuals, processing sensitive data like health information, or processing data that could significantly impact individuals’ rights and freedoms. Examples include processing biometric data for identification, analyzing sensitive personal data to predict behavior, or conducting systematic surveillance in public spaces. These activities generally require detailed risk assessments and heightened compliance measures, even for small organizations.

Failure to appoint a representative can result in fines and enforcement actions under GDPR. These fines can be significant, with penalties reaching up to €10 million or 2% of the company’s total worldwide annual turnover, whichever is higher, depending on the severity of the violation.

GDPR Legal Representative vs. DPO

It is essential to differentiate between a GDPR Representative and a Data Protection Officer (DPO). While both roles are integral to GDPR compliance, they serve distinct purposes:

• The GDPR Representative is primarily a liaison for non-EU companies, serving as a local point of contact for data subjects and EU supervisory authorities.
• In contrast, the DPO operates within an organization to monitor internal compliance, advise on data protection obligations, and act as an independent advocate for data privacy best practices.

GDPR Representative:

• Required for non-EU businesses without an EU presence.
• Required for organizations that process sensitive data or engage in large-scale monitoring.
• Acts as a local contact for EU data subjects and authorities.

Data Protection Officer (DPO):

• Oversees data protection compliance within the organization.
• Does not make decisions about data processing.
• Advises and monitors compliance but is part of the organization.

These roles are not interchangeable, as the Representative addresses external obligations, whereas the DPO focuses on internal governance.While both roles aim to ensure compliance, they have distinct functions and responsibilities.

How to Get a Legal Representative

Appointing a GDPR Representative is straightforward when you partner with the right provider. A representative must:

• Be established in the EU.
• Be knowledgeable about GDPR requirements.
• Effectively communicate with data subjects and supervisory authorities on your behalf.

Why Choose Secure Privacy?

Secure Privacy provides GDPR Representative services tailored to your needs. Our team ensures compliance with Article 27, so you can focus on your business. We simplify the complex regulatory landscape by acting as your knowledgeable and reliable EU-based partner. With our extensive expertise in data protection laws, we handle communications with EU supervisory authorities and data subjects on your behalf, reducing your compliance burden. By partnering with us, you gain peace of mind knowing your organization is represented by a trusted expert who bridges the gap between your company and EU regulators effectively and efficiently.