The GDPR became law in May 2018. At the FIT Europe in association with its member organisations and external partners has initiated a project to draft common European GDPR guidelines for our sector. As a starting point for the project this survey has been prepared for freelance translators and interpreters.
Translating Europe Forum in November 2018, FIT Europe participated in a panel about the new Regulation. A suggestion was made to set up a series of events around Europe to inform language professionals about their obligations under the Regulation. FIT Europe has partnered with a number of organisations and experts to make this a reality.
Two surveys (one for freelance translators and interpreters, and one for associations) were launched at the BDÜ conference in November 2019. Around 1,300 people responded to the freelancer survey and 55 regular and associate members participated in the association survey.
A first conclusion to be drawn is that there remains a lot confusion about whether the GDPR applies to T&I activities and if so, to what extent. The results of the surveys definitely show that uniform interpretation and specific guidelines for the profession are very much needed.
FIT Europe, and its external partners, are working on this at the moment. More details to follow.