Number of GDPR Fines Surge by 113% despite Strict Regulations
Despite the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) being in its infancy stages, European regulators are increasingly focusing on implementing the law. As a result, the number of cases and fines has also surged.
Data acquired by Finbold indicates that the cumulative number of GDPR violations has steadily surged 113.5 percent over the last 12 months between July 2020 and July 2021. Over the same period, EU regulators’ penalties for the violations spiked 124.92 percent.
Among the specific fines, big tech companies dominated, with Google accounting for the most significant share of fines at €60 million as of July 18th, 2021 imposed recently by French regulators. Google Ireland ranks second with €40 million in penalties while H&M Hennes & Mauritz Online Shop from Germany is third at €35.26 million.
Blackstone to Acquire Majority Stake in Online Learning Platform Simplilearn
Blackstone has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling stake in Simplilearn Solutions for $250 million (about Rs 1,860 crore). Simplilearn is an online learning ‘bootcamp’ offering digital skills training and courses to working professionals all over the world.
The previous investors – Kalaari Capital, Helion Venture Partners and Mayfield Fund – have exited now, but the management of Simplilearn remains the same and their stake will also remain unaffected.
Profitable for the fourth year in a row, Simplilearn offers over 100 programs to help early to mid-career professionals acquire new-age digital skills across Cloud, DevOps, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Digital Marketing, Cyber Security and many more.
Shiv Nadar Steps Down as HCL Technologies MD; C Vijayakumar Takes Over
HCL Technologies’ Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Director Shiv Nadar has stepped down from the position with immediate effect. The company said that Nadar has now been appointed Chairman Emeritus & Strategic Advisor to the board.
HCL Tech has appointed its President and CEO C Vijayakumar as the new Managing Director for five years with effect from July 20. He will also hold the position of CEO.
