On December 4, 2012, Hunton & Williams announced the launch of its EU Data Protection Regulation Tracker, a website that provides timely status updates and links to relevant documents on the progress of the European Commission’s proposed General Data Protection Regulation (the “Proposed Regulation”).

Lisa Sotto, who heads Hunton & Williams’ Global Privacy and Data Security practice, said: “We hope the Regulation Tracker will enable companies to easily navigate the ever-changing landscape of EU data protection law.”

Together with a police and criminal justice directive, the Proposed Regulation forms the European Commission’s revised data protection framework proposal, which will replace existing data protection laws across the EU with a single regulation, moving the EU significantly closer to a harmonized data protection regime. The Proposed Regulation likely will impact nearly all organizations and businesses in the EU, as well as many located outside of the EU, requiring increased resources to prepare for the forthcoming changes to data protection and privacy compliance.

“With such strict requirements and significant fines being proposed, organizations must start now to consider how the changes may affect their activities and plan ahead. The Regulation Tracker can serve as a first port of call to find the latest resources and guidance on the Draft Regulation,” said Bridget Treacy, partner and head of the firm’s UK Privacy and Data Security practice.

The Regulation Tracker offers businesses access to all relevant materials including draft legislation, opinions and submissions. “The Regulation Tracker will be updated regularly with the latest news and resources to assist companies in addressing key changes in the Proposed Regulation – changes that will have a significant impact on global businesses,” said Wim Nauwelaerts, Brussels partner who leads the firm’s Belgian privacy practice.

Visit the Regulation Tracker at www.huntonregulationtracker.com.