- Enforcing jurisdiction
- Spain · Geography does not establish applicable law.
- Confirmed applicable legislation
- Privacy topics
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. – €120,000 Fine (Spain, 2021)
Privacy enforcement record
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Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. was fined for not properly verifying callers' identities when providing information over the phone. This lack of security could allow anyone to access sensitive information just by knowing a person's ID number. The case highlights the importance of having strong security measures to protect personal data.
What happened
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. failed to implement proper identity verification for phone inquiries.
Who was affected
Individuals whose personal information could be accessed by unauthorized callers.
What the authority found
The Spanish data protection authority found that the bank did not take adequate security measures, violating GDPR's requirement for data protection.
Why this matters
This ruling emphasizes that companies must have strong security practices to protect personal information. Other businesses should review their authentication processes to avoid similar issues.
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Linked-source text retrieved.
Automated check recorded — 10 March 2026.
Processing notes: national law identified.
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The Spanish DPA (AEPD) has imposed a fine on Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.. The reason for this had been a complaint from a person relating to a lack of authentication. Accordingly, only the ID number had to be given as identification when providing information by telephone. This could allow any person to call, provide an ID number, and thus receive the information associated with the ID number without any verification that the caller is actually the ID holder. The DPA considered this to be a failure to implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure a level of security appropriate to the risk posed to the data subjects. The original fine of EUR 200,000 was reduced to EUR 120,000 due to voluntary payment and acknowledgement of guilt.
Related Enforcement Actions (1)
Other enforcement actions involving Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. in ES
Details
Fine Date
25 August 2021
Authority
Agencia Española de Protección de Datos
Fine Amount
€120,000
Enforcement Tracker ID
ETid-819
About this data
Cite as: Cookie Fines. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. - Spain (2021). Retrieved from cookiefines.eu
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