Video integration: How to protect yourself from expensive data protection traps!

Video integration: How to protect yourself from expensive data protection traps!

Advancing digitalization brings with it many opportunities, but also challenges, especially in the area of ​​data protection. Companies are currently under pressure to integrate their video content on websites in a data protection-compliant manner. By integrating videos, companies increase the attractiveness of their pages and improve the presentation of their products and services. [Image] reports that the security of video content is often neglected, which can lead to high claims for damages and copyright warnings.

A crucial aspect is data protection compliance, which in many cases falls short of legal requirements. When companies host videos externally, personal data such as IP addresses are often transferred to third parties. This brings additional risks, especially if the providers are based in the USA. It is therefore essential for website operators to comply with data protection regulations in order to avoid fines and claims for damages. In addition, website operators and third-party providers are usually jointly responsible for data flows.

Types of video embedding

There are two primary methods for embedding videos on websites: internal and external video embedding. Internal hosting meets easier data protection requirements and helps to avoid unwanted data flows to third parties. In contrast, external hosting is widespread, but carries the risk of personal data being passed on to third parties without users' consent.

With external integration, no data is usually transferred without the user's prior consent. The “two-click solution” is recommended to minimize data protection risks. This method only allows you to display a preview image that is integrated internally. The data transfer is only carried out after the video has been activated. Users must be informed in advance about the processing of their data, and the data protection declaration should also contain clear information about external integration.

Privacy-friendly options

To ensure data protection, website operators can use certain functions. YouTube, for example, offers an “extended data protection mode” that is more privacy-friendly and does not allow profile creation. The necessary information should also be integrated into the cookie settings of the video platforms in order to properly obtain user consent.

By properly implementing these data protection measures, companies can reap the benefits of video platforms while navigating the legal challenges. Overall, when integrating video content on websites, it is important not only to increase the attractiveness, but also to ensure that this content is provided in accordance with applicable data protection regulations.