Gießen Offers Free GDPR Workshops to Shield Businesses from Costly Fines
The Economic Development Agency of the City of Gießen is hosting a free three-part workshop series on data protection and GDPR compliance. Led by IT law specialist Christian Koch, the sessions aim to help businesses avoid costly mistakes under the regulation. The workshops will run on April 22, May 27, and June 23, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Each session covers a different aspect of the GDPR, which has been in force for eight years.
The first workshop introduces data protection basics, including legal foundations and regulatory structures. It explains how the rules affect both individuals and businesses.
The second session focuses on transparency requirements, data subject rights, and compliance for websites and online shops. These areas are critical for avoiding fines, which have reached millions in recent cases.
The final workshop examines the responsibilities of data protection officers, processing activity records, and data processing agreements. Proper handling of these elements is essential for legal compliance.
Since 2018, four German companies have faced fines totalling €45.7 million under the GDPR. The most affected sectors include industry and trade, public services, and finance. Media, telecommunications, and employment have seen some of the highest average penalties, with one case exceeding €12 million. A recent fine of tens of millions was issued in June 2025, highlighting ongoing enforcement risks. Businesses must prioritise GDPR compliance from the start of their operations. The workshops provide practical guidance to prevent severe financial and legal consequences. Registration details are available through the Gießen Economic Development Agency.
