Bitkom on European Data Protection Day
- Dehmel: “Pseudonymisation as the key to reconciling data protection and data-driven applications”
Berlin, 28 January 2026 – On the occasion of today’s European Data Protection Day, the Data Protection Conference, the body representing all German data protection authorities, is holding a conference. On this occasion, Susanne Dehmel, member of Bitkom’s executive management, states: “Data protection is widely regarded as the number one barrier to innovation in the German economy. Yet it does not have to be this way. Pseudonymisation could already be a key instrument today for bringing data protection and data-driven applications such as AI, research or new digital business models together. In this process, data are modified in such a way that they can no longer be directly attributed to an individual without additional information. However, at present, unclear and in some cases contradictory requirements are creating legal uncertainty for those responsible within companies. It is often unclear whether the considerable effort involved in pseudonymisation is worthwhile at all and whether it will be recognised by supervisory authorities as an effective protective measure. Only then can it actually enable additional data processing activities from a legal perspective. This is where action is needed, and this is where data protection authorities are called upon. What is required are transparent criteria, practical examples and stronger recognition of codes of conduct that provide guidance. Experience shows that data protection works best where supervisory authorities and businesses jointly develop solutions that protect fundamental rights while at the same time enabling innovation.”
Bitkom statement on the EDPB 01/2025 Guidelines on Pseudonymisation can be downloaded below.
