New layoffs show old problems at Data Protection Authority

It’s bumblebees at the top of the Belgian privacy regulator. The Chamber of Representatives has dismissed two board members of the Data Protection Authority. As a result, the chaos in the board is complete, but it is not entirely unexpected.

The Belgian Chamber has decided on Wednesday evening to remove two board members of the Data Protection Authority from their position. General chairman David Stevens and Charlotte Dereppe of the Frontline Service were dismissed by the House in a secret ballot. This happened in response to the Judiciary Committee, which rejected the dismissal recommended. This means that the top of the GBA has become considerably smaller in one fell swoop, because it will go from five to three people. The two dismissed board members may still appeal against the decision of the Chamber, but that is not yet known.