Vodafone España, S.A.U.: Insufficient legal basis for data processing

The Spanish DPA (AEPD) imposed a fine on Vodafone España, S.A.U. for insufficient legal basis for data processing. The data subject stated that two telephone lines were registered in his name, for each of which charges were made. However, the data subject had never concluded contracts with the company for either of these lines. Rather, the contracts in question were concluded by fraudsters using the data subject's personal data. Nevertheless, the personal data was entered into the company's information systems without any verification as to whether the contracts had been lawfully and actually concluded by the data subject. The contracts were concluded even though they were not signed and the information provided by the fraudster, such as the address or date of birth, did not match those on the data subject's ID card. The original fine of EUR 50,000 was reduced to EUR 40,000 due to voluntary payment.

Industry: Media, Telecoms and Broadcasting