Best Cyber Law, Data Privacy and Data Protection Lawyers in Melissia

About Cyber Law, Data Privacy and Data Protection Law in Melissia, Greece

Melissia is a suburb of Athens in Greece and is subject to the same national and EU legal framework that governs cyber law, data privacy and data protection across the country. The main legal backbone is the EU General Data Protection Regulation - GDPR - which sets rules for how personal data must be handled, including rights for individuals and obligations for organisations. Greek law transposes and supplements the GDPR with national statutes and regulations, and national authorities enforce compliance and handle complaints. In addition, Greece has rules and agencies dealing with cybersecurity, computer crime and electronic communications that interact with data protection law.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Data protection and cyber law issues often combine technical complexity, regulatory obligations and potential criminal or civil consequences. You may need a lawyer if you face any of the following situations:

- You or your organisation experienced a data breach or cyber attack and must respond quickly while meeting legal reporting obligations.

- A data subject files a complaint or a court action against you for misuse of personal data or a privacy violation.

- A regulatory authority initiates an investigation or intends to impose administrative fines or corrective measures.

- You need help drafting or reviewing privacy policies, terms of service, data processing agreements, confidentiality clauses and vendor contracts.

- You are planning cross-border transfers of personal data and need compliant safeguards such as standard contractual clauses or adequacy assessments.

- You need to determine whether you must appoint a Data Protection Officer - DPO - or carry out a Data Protection Impact Assessment - DPIA.

- You want legal advice on lawful monitoring of employees, CCTV and workplace privacy.

- You need assistance with criminal complaints after a hacking incident or identity theft, or you have been accused of a cybercrime.

Local Laws Overview

The legal framework combines EU law, national legislation and sector rules. Key elements to know when you are in Melissia include:

- GDPR - This EU regulation is directly applicable in Greece. It creates core obligations such as lawful bases for processing personal data, data subject rights, breach notification within 72 hours to the supervisory authority when feasible, and heavy administrative fines for serious infringements.

- Greek implementing and complementary law - Greece has national legislation that transposes the GDPR and provides local rules and procedural details. This law clarifies points such as the role and duties of the national supervisory authority, specific conditions for processing in national contexts, and administrative procedures.

- Hellenic Data Protection Authority - The national supervisory authority is responsible for enforcement, complaints handling, guidance, prior consultations and issuing administrative decisions or fines.

- Cybersecurity and critical infrastructure rules - Greek law implements EU rules on network and information systems security. These rules impose obligations on operators of essential services and digital service providers, including incident reporting and security measures.

- Criminal law on computer crimes - Greek criminal law includes offences for unauthorized access, data interference, interception, fraud and other cybercrimes. The Hellenic Police has cybercrime units that investigate and prosecute offenders.

- Electronic communications and consumer protection rules - Specific rules govern use of electronic communications, direct marketing, cookies and electronic contracts. Public sector and regulated industries may have enhanced confidentiality or record-keeping requirements.

- International transfers - Transfers of personal data outside the EU require an adequate safeguard such as an adequacy decision, standard contractual clauses, binding corporate rules or another GDPR-compliant mechanism. Export controls and international cooperation may apply for law enforcement or national security matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GDPR applicable to individuals and businesses in Melissia?

Yes. The GDPR applies across the EU, including Melissia. Any organisation processing personal data of people in the EU must comply with GDPR obligations when the processing relates to offering goods or services to, or monitoring the behaviour of, data subjects in the EU.

Who enforces data protection rules in Greece and how do I complain?

The Hellenic Data Protection Authority is the supervisory body responsible for enforcement and complaints. If you believe your rights have been violated you can file a complaint with that authority. A lawyer can help prepare and present evidence and correspondence during the complaint process.

What should I do immediately after a data breach or cyber attack?

Take immediate steps to contain the incident and secure systems. Preserve evidence for investigation. If personal data is involved, assess whether the breach is likely to result in a risk to individuals' rights and freedoms. Where required, notify the supervisory authority within 72 hours of becoming aware of the breach and inform affected individuals when the risk is high. Contact a lawyer and technical experts to coordinate legal, technical and communication responses.

Do I need to appoint a Data Protection Officer?

You must appoint a DPO if you are a public authority or if your core activities involve large-scale regular and systematic monitoring of individuals or large-scale processing of special categories of data. Even where not mandatory, appointing a DPO can help demonstrate compliance and manage regulatory relations.

What rights do data subjects have under the law?

Individuals have several rights including the right to access their data, request correction, request deletion or restriction, object to processing, receive data portability, and challenge automated decision making. Organisations must have processes to respond to these requests within statutory timeframes.

Can my employer legally monitor my email or online activity?

Employers may monitor employees in limited circumstances for legitimate purposes such as security or performance, but monitoring must be proportionate, necessary and transparent. Employees must be informed about the type and extent of monitoring and, in many cases, consent or another lawful basis is required. Workplace surveillance must also respect dignity and private life under broader labour and constitutional protections.

How are cross-border data transfers handled from Greece?

Cross-border transfers outside the EU require a lawful transfer mechanism. Acceptable options under GDPR include transfers to countries with an adequacy decision, use of approved standard contractual clauses, binding corporate rules for multinational groups, or specific derogations in limited cases. You should document the legal basis and safeguards and assess adequacy before transferring data.

What kinds of fines or penalties can be imposed for non-compliance?

Under the GDPR, supervisory authorities can impose substantial fines depending on the nature and gravity of the infringement. Fines can reach up to millions of euros or a percentage of global annual turnover for the most serious breaches. Greek authorities can also order corrective measures, temporary or permanent processing bans and require remedial steps. Criminal sanctions may apply for certain cyber offences under national law.

Should I do a Data Protection Impact Assessment and when?

A DPIA is required when processing is likely to result in a high risk to individuals' rights and freedoms - for example when using new technologies, large-scale profiling, systematic monitoring in public areas, or processing special categories of data on a large scale. Conducting a DPIA helps identify and mitigate risks and is often a precondition for lawful processing in risky contexts.

How can a lawyer help if I have been accused of a cybercrime or data breach?

A lawyer can advise on criminal exposure, represent you with law enforcement and courts, challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors and provide guidance on procedural rights. For businesses, a lawyer can coordinate with technical responders, manage regulatory notifications, handle communications and mitigate reputational and legal risks.

Additional Resources

Below are relevant national and European bodies and resources that can provide guidance or receive complaints - these are useful in parallel with legal advice:

- Hellenic Data Protection Authority - national supervisory body handling data protection enforcement and guidance.

- National Cyber Security Authority and relevant government ministries - set national cybersecurity policy and incident reporting frameworks.

- Hellenic Police cybercrime unit - law enforcement body that investigates computer-related crime.

- Official Greek legislation publications and national legal texts that implement GDPR and cybersecurity rules - for authoritative legal wording.

- European Data Protection Board and European Commission GDPR materials - provide EU-level guidance, decisions and standard documents used across member states.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance in Melissia for cyber law, data privacy or data protection issues, follow these practical steps:

- Preserve evidence - stop further damage, keep logs and copies of relevant files, record times and actions taken.

- Identify immediate legal obligations - if a data breach may affect individuals, prepare to notify the supervisory authority within the GDPR timeframe and inform affected data subjects where required.

- Choose the right lawyer - look for an attorney or firm with specific experience in data protection, cybersecurity incidents and regulatory investigations. Confirm Greek bar membership, request examples of prior matters and check language capabilities if needed.

- Prepare for the first meeting - bring or summarize relevant documents: data flow maps, contracts with processors and third parties, security logs, sample communications, privacy policy and any prior correspondence with authorities or affected persons.

- Ask about fees and scope - clarify engagement terms, retainer fees, hourly rates or fixed fees and the expected stages of handling your matter.

- Coordinate with technical experts - legal work often runs in parallel with forensic analysis and IT remediation. Your lawyer can recommend or coordinate with trusted technical responders.

- Keep communication clear and timely - follow legal advice on public statements and notifications to avoid prejudicing regulatory or criminal proceedings.

Disclaimer - This guide provides general information and does not substitute for legal advice. For advice tailored to your situation consult a qualified lawyer in Greece who specialises in data protection and cyber law.