Watchful's software solution PrivacyDetect has been nominated for the Privacy Awards 2025. Watchful was nominated for their innovative solution designed to make the work of privacy officers clearer, but above all easier. PONT | Data & Privacy sat down with Moritz Tielemans, founder of Watchful. In the interview, he shares his insights on managing personal data in organizations, and strengthening communication between privacy officers and the rest of the organization.
One aspect of the software is its focus on stagnant data, data that often sits unused on systems for years. "Our solution doesn't just look at data that is in motion, such as emails with attachments, but rather data that has been sitting on a computer for five years. That makes us really unique," Tielemans explains. But PrivacyDetect is not exclusively specialized in stationary data (data-at-rest). The software also focuses on active data (data-in-use) and data in motion (data-in-transit). What is special about PrivacyDetect is that it focuses specifically on identifying and managing personal data in unstructured data. This includes files and emails that are often scattered and difficult to manage within an organization. He compares the software to an antivirus program, but specifically focused on detecting personal data.
Tielemans emphasizes that his software helps companies maintain oversight and ensures they comply with legal requirements. "A combination of data that individually is not personal data can collectively be considered personal data. Our point system ensures that such combinations are automatically flagged," Tielemans said.
In addition to data management, the software provides an integrated communication system that supports privacy officers in their daily work. "Privacy officers do not receive reports continuously, but, for example, a weekly report with all relevant findings. This makes the work clearer and more efficient," says Tielemans. Tielemans emphasizes that the internal communication system is privacy consciously developed for employees within the organization.
The software uses gamification to make employees aware of privacy rules. "We involved behavioral scientists to make reports attractive and understandable. For example, employees can see how well their department scores, which is motivating," he adds.
Another notable feature is the ability to move or delete documents within the organization, with clear guidance from privacy officers. "This makes the system not only a tool for compliance, but also a communication tool," says Tielemans.
With a focus on still data and a thoughtful internal communication system, Watchful's software offers an innovative solution for AVG compliance. Tielemans' view reflects the growing need not only to comply with regulations, but also to engage employees in privacy policies. "We are still at the beginning of what is possible, but we are already making great strides in making privacy management accessible and effective," he concludes.
