The Changing Role of the State Data Protection Inspectorate Following the Introduction of Regulation on General Data Protection

The introduction in Lithuania of new regulation on the protection of personal data is in direct response to the mandatory requirement for uniform and up-to-date legislation in all member states of the European Union. The aim is to ensure the fundamental human right that personal data is protected – as well as to create conditions for the development of the digital economy and to strengthen the fight against crime and terrorism. The data protection package adopted on 27 April 2016 split the State Data Protection Inspectorate of the Republic of Lithuania into two parts: before and after the General Data Protection Regulation. To a greater or lesser extent, the latter has impacted the Inspectorate and almost all of its inspection activities in the performance of tasks set out in the Regulation. The first steps taken by the personal data protection supervisory authority in applying the Regulation and strengthening international co-operation have established a strong basis for the effective protection of personal data. However, the General Data Protection Regulation will continue to require greater attention from the supervisory authority