An internal investigation inevitably involves collecting data
relating to employees. How can employers in Germany ensure they
comply with their data protection obligations and conduct effective
investigations?
Can an employer's compliance with data protection
regulations influence internal investigations within an
organisation? The Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal or the
harassment allegations against Julian Reichelt editor of the Bild
newspaper show the importance of internal investigations. They are
an important instrument for organisations to investigate suspected
breaches of contractual obligations and to uncover wrongdoing. If
clarification and investigation measures are to be effective and
productive, there is habitually no way around a data-intensive
approach, but data protection regulations in particular must be
complied with.
