eco on the Election of the New German Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (BfDI)

Berlin, 25 June 2026 - eco - Association of the Internet Industry welcomes the election of Prof. Dr Moritz Hennemann as the new German Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (BfDI). With Hennemann, a highly respected expert is taking the helm of the BfDI, bringing an outstanding ability to combine data protection, data law and digital innovation.

"The election of Moritz Hennemann sends a strong signal in favour of a technically sound and independent data protection supervisory authority. It is now crucial to turn this signal into a genuine modernisation drive," says Oliver Süme, Chair of the Board of the eco Association.

The new BfDI leadership takes office at a decisive moment. The digital economy is facing a multitude of European and national digital legislative acts, new requirements arising from AI regulation, growing data ecosystems and the announced reform of data protection oversight. For companies, one thing is paramount: clear responsibilities, consistent interpretation and practical decisions.

"Germany does not need further fragmentation of data protection law, but rather a supervisory authority that protects fundamental rights whilst at the same time enabling data use, innovation and competitiveness. Data protection must not be organised as a patchwork of minor regulatory details, but must provide a reliable framework for shaping the digital future," says Süme.

eco expects the new BfDI leadership to play an active role in shaping the announced reorganisation of data protection oversight: moving away from a patchwork system towards greater legal certainty, closer alignment with the European framework and a supervisory practice that fosters innovation. Hennemann's election offers a clear opportunity to achieve this. The decisive factor now will be whether the reform mandate is implemented consistently.