Olivier Proust | Fieldfisher
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Professional background

Professional background

Professional Profile and Bio

I specialise in the field of data protection, cybersecurity and technology law. I am ideally located at the heart of Europe to monitor the legal developments in this fast-growing area of the law and to interact with representatives of the EU institutions and bodies. I advise organisations of all sizes and across business sectors on all aspects of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), such as privacy policies, DPIAs, transfer impact assessments, and contracts  An important area of my work consists in advising multinational organisations on what data transfer mechanisms to put in place when transferring personal data outside the EU (such as binding corporate rules, EU standard contractual clauses and EU-US Trans-Atlantic Data Transfer Framework).

I also advise organisations on how to handle crisis situations, such as data security breaches, data subject requests and DPA inspections. I act as an external Data Protection Officer for many organisations who choose to outsource their DPO function, and otherwise, I advise DPOs directly on their privacy compliance strategies

My scope of expertise also covers other areas of data and technology law, such as online e-privacy (i.e. direct marketing, cookies, etc.) , employee privacy rights (employee monitoring, whistleblowing, e-discovery), as well as the legislation on online platforms (Digital Services Act), artificial intelligence (AI Act) and data sharing (Data Act, Data Governance Act).

I am a member of the IAPP (International Association of Privacy Professionals), OneTrust PrivacyConnect and I also sit on MedTech Europe's Data Protection Committee as a privacy expert.

I am a member of the Paris and Brussels bars (E list for European lawyers).

I am fluent in French and English and I have a basic understanding of Spanish.

*SRL Olivier Proust 0834.390.436

Awards & recognition

Awards & recognition

Chambers 2020 – TMT
Olivier Proust impresses clients for being very available, personable and incredibly informed in data protection and privacy - a real expert.
Legal 500, 2020 – Privacy & data protection
Olivier Proust is 'dedicated and committed'.   ‘Olivier Proust is a recognised expert in his field He provides practical land straightforward advice on what the key issues are‘.   'Olivier Proust is fantastic He is a top legal mind in the area, sharp, diligent, hard working and incredibly personable‘.  
The Legal 500 - Data Protection 2019
Fieldfisher’s team provides ‘pragmatic advice’ on GDPR, data breaches and international data transfer matters, to name a few areas. Olivier Proust, who jointly heads the team with Tim Van Canneyt is ‘knowledgeable, responsive and very practical’. 
Chambers Europe - Privacy & Data Protection 2017
Fieldfisher’s approach addresses data protection and privacy questions in a broad manner, while proposing business-friendly and long-term compliance solutions.” Another peer says that they have “good knowledge and expertise in constantly evolving areas such as IT and data protection.” Olivier Proust is highly thought of for his work handling data protection matters, in particular concerning privacy and cybersecurity. One impressed client notes: “He is pragmatic and understands the complexities and issues of multinational organisations.”

Authored pieces

All Resources
A digital abstract image featuring a complex array of intersecting lines, resembling a futuristic cityscape or data network. The image is dominated by hues of blue and pink, creating a dynamic and vibrant visual effect with a sense of depth and motion.
Technology and Data
Insight

GPAI model compliance under the EU AI Act: What companies need to know

06.08.2025
The EU AI Act introduces specific obligations for companies that develop general-purpose AI ("GPAI") models. These are powerful AI models trained on broad data sets and capable of performing a wide range of tasks, e.g., generating text, images or other content, that are not limited to a specific application. These models can be integrated into various downstream AI systems.
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A digital artwork featuring a complex grid of intersecting pink, blue, and black lines forming a 3D perspective. The lines create a sense of depth, converging towards the center, with varying thickness and spacing, giving an abstract and futuristic feel.
Technology and Data
Insight

France bans telemarketing without consent

05.06.2025
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A digital rendering of a globe focused on Europe, displaying illuminated lines representing global connections or data transfer routes. The globe is highlighted in shades of purple against a dark, technology-inspired background with binary code patterns.
Data and Privacy
Webinar

Key provisions of the EU AI Act now apply: scope, AI literacy and prohibited practices

11.03.2025
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Technology and Data
Insight

Key takeaways from the European Commission's Guidelines on prohibited AI practices

05.03.2025
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Technology and Data
Insight

New EU Cyber Resilience Act: practical steps to navigate compliance

29.11.2024
The EU Cyber Resilience Act ("CRA") is a novel piece of EU wide legislation which sets out new cybersecurity rules that manufacturers, importers and distributors of products with digital elements ("PDE") must comply with. The CRA aims to protect consumers and business that buy or use PDEs from cybersecurity risks and enable them to determine which products are cybersecure.
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What others say…

Chambers 2020 – TMT
Olivier Proust impresses clients for being very available, personable and incredibly informed in data protection and privacy - a real expert.
Legal 500, 2020 – Privacy & data protection
Olivier Proust is 'dedicated and committed'.   ‘Olivier Proust is a recognised expert in his field He provides practical land straightforward advice on what the key issues are‘.   'Olivier Proust is fantastic He is a top legal mind in the area, sharp, diligent, hard working and incredibly personable‘.  
The Legal 500 - Data Protection 2019
Fieldfisher’s team provides ‘pragmatic advice’ on GDPR, data breaches and international data transfer matters, to name a few areas. Olivier Proust, who jointly heads the team with Tim Van Canneyt is ‘knowledgeable, responsive and very practical’.