The European Commission’s July 2024 report emphasized the GDPR’s success in raising awareness of data protection rights and harmonizing data handling across the EU. However, it also pointed out implementation issues, including delays in complaint handling, and called for enhanced collaboration among national supervisory authorities to improve efficiency.
The EDPB affirmed the GDPR’s role as a cornerstone of the digital transformation, granting individuals greater control over their data. However, it stressed the importance of aligning the GDPR with new EU regulations, such as the EU AI Act and Digital Markets Act, to avoid overlaps or contradictions. It urged legislators to incorporate data protection considerations into the drafting of new laws.
Effective enforcement of the GDPR requires stronger national and international collaboration. The EDPB highlighted the value of cooperative frameworks and announced plans to contribute to mechanisms facilitating better coordination between national and sectoral authorities.
The EDPB also underscored the importance of adequate resources for the success of the GDPR. National data protection authorities face challenges from increased responsibilities under new digital laws and inflation. A forthcoming resource report aims to underline the need for action. Additionally, the EDPB plans to issue more precise and accessible guidelines for diverse audiences, including SMEs and non-experts, while ensuring the independence of data protection authorities across EU member states.
In conclusion, while the GDPR remains a vital milestone for privacy and digital transformation, evolving legal landscapes necessitate better integration with new regulations, improved enforcement mechanisms, and sufficient resources. The EDPB’s statement outlines strategies to uphold high data protection standards for consumers, businesses, and authorities alike.
The EDPB Statement can be found here.
