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EDPS

20 Talks - Daniel J. Solove

4 days 17 hours ago
20 Talks - Daniel J. Solove matthijs Thu, 03/14/2024 - 16:11 Fri, 03/15/2024 - 12:00

“20 Talks” is a series of insightful discussions with experts and influential personalities across diverse domains, looking into the profound implications of privacy and data protection within their specific spheres. 

In this episode, our guest is Daniel J. Solove, Professor of Intellectual Property and Technology Law, George Washington University Law School and President & CEO of TeachPrivacy.

1 Watch the interview
European Data Protection Supervisor

The programme of the European Data Protection Summit is out!

1 week ago
The programme of the European Data Protection Summit is out! alfredo Mon, 03/11/2024 - 14:33 Thu, 03/07/2024 - 12:00

On 20 June 2024, we invite you to the European Data Protection Summit: “Rethinking Data in a Democratic Society”. This unique event brings together privacy experts, technology specialists, policy-makers, and other influential voices to discuss how data protection can safeguard our democratic society. Check the preliminary Programme

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European Data Protection Supervisor

European Commission’s use of Microsoft 365 infringes data protection law for EU institutions and bodies

1 week 1 day ago
European Commission’s use of Microsoft 365 infringes data protection law for EU institutions and bodies julia Mon, 03/11/2024 - 09:23 Mon, 03/11/2024 - 12:00

Following its investigation, the EDPS has found that the European Commission has infringed several key data protection rules when using Microsoft 365. In its decision, the EDPS imposes corrective measures on the Commission. Read Press Release.

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European Data Protection Supervisor

Coordinated Enforcement Action: the right of access to personal data

2 weeks 5 days ago
Coordinated Enforcement Action: the right of access to personal data julia Wed, 02/28/2024 - 11:16 Wed, 02/28/2024 - 12:00

The EDPS is participating in the EDPB's Coordinated Enforcement Action on how individuals’ right of access is addressed specifically in the EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies (EUIs). This right lies at the heart of data protection. Read Press Release

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European Data Protection Supervisor

New episode of Newsletter Digest is out!

4 weeks ago
New episode of Newsletter Digest is out! miriam Mon, 02/19/2024 - 10:47 Mon, 02/12/2024 - 12:00

Listen to this new episode where we explain how can the confidentiality of communications be protected; the privacy impact of combatting migrant smuggling; what are children's online habits and its consequences and more.

1 Listen now
European Data Protection Supervisor

Newsletter #107 is out!

1 month 1 week ago
Newsletter #107 is out! miriam Fri, 02/09/2024 - 08:39 Fri, 02/09/2024 - 12:00

In Newsletter #107, find more information about our numerous initiatives and actions to celebrate our 20th anniversary. January also marked Data Protection Day, a time to delve deeper into the data protection issues and approaches to take to protect individuals. And more.

1 Read it now!
European Data Protection Supervisor

Newsletter Digest - Bonus Episode #2

1 month 3 weeks ago
Newsletter Digest - Bonus Episode #2 miriam Fri, 01/26/2024 - 12:38 Fri, 01/26/2024 - 12:00

Happy Data Protection Day! Listen to our Q&A with the EDPS' Data Protection Officer

1 Listen now
European Data Protection Supervisor

Newsletter Digest - Bonus Episode #2

1 month 3 weeks ago
Newsletter Digest - Bonus Episode #2 miriam Fri, 01/26/2024 - 12:38 Fri, 01/26/2024 - 12:00

Happy Data Protection Day! Listen to our Q&A with the EDPS' Data Protection Officer

1 Listen now
European Data Protection Supervisor

EDPS assesses privacy impact of Regulation to combat migrant smuggling and human trafficking

1 month 3 weeks ago
EDPS assesses privacy impact of Regulation to combat migrant smuggling and human trafficking julia Fri, 01/26/2024 - 10:00 Fri, 01/26/2024 - 12:00

The EDPS makes a series of recommendations on four key issues in the proposed Regulation that could have an important impact on individuals’ personal data and privacy. To found out the EDPS' detailed advice to the EU's co-legislators, read Press Release and Opinion.

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European Data Protection Supervisor

Data Protection Day 2024

1 month 3 weeks ago
Data Protection Day 2024 francesco Wed, 01/24/2024 - 11:12 Sun, 01/28/2024 - 12:00

Each year on 28 January, we celebrate Data Protection Day. This date commemorates the anniversary of the Council of Europe’s Convention 108, the first binding international law securing individuals' rights to protection of their personal data.

1 Read our factsheets to learn more about your rights
European Data Protection Supervisor

Data Protection Day 2024

1 month 3 weeks ago
Data Protection Day 2024 francesco Wed, 01/24/2024 - 11:12 Sun, 01/28/2024 - 12:00

Each year on 28 January, we celebrate Data Protection Day. This date commemorates the anniversary of the Council of Europe’s Convention 108, the first binding international law securing individuals' rights to protection of their personal data.

1 Read our factsheets to learn more about your rights
European Data Protection Supervisor

EDPS publishes results of the Coordinated Enforcement Action on data protection officers

2 months ago
EDPS publishes results of the Coordinated Enforcement Action on data protection officers julia Thu, 01/18/2024 - 08:25 Thu, 01/18/2024 - 12:00

The EDPS publishes the results of its survey on the role, responsibilities and tasks of data protection officers in the EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies (EUIs).

Read Press Release

Read Report and survey results

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European Data Protection Supervisor

EDPS Anniversary: celebrating 20 years of protecting personal data

2 months ago
EDPS Anniversary: celebrating 20 years of protecting personal data estelle Tue, 01/16/2024 - 10:34 Wed, 01/17/2024 - 12:00

Since 2004, the EDPS protects the personal data of EU citizens and guides EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies so that they are exemplary in upholding data protection principles. The celebration of these two decades is an opportunity to reflect on past, present, and future challenges for a modern regulator in order to pave the way forward for the next 20 years.

Discover dedicated website for the 20th Anniversary and learn about the four pillars mapping out our ambitions for the years to come.

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European Data Protection Supervisor

Newsletter #106

3 months 1 week ago
Newsletter #106 miriam Sun, 12/10/2023 - 13:33 Tue, 12/12/2023 - 12:00

Read the latest news, activities and actions of the European Data Protection Supervisor.

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European Data Protection Supervisor
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EDPB News

EDPB

CEF 2024: Launch of coordinated enforcement on the right of access

2 weeks 5 days ago

Brussels, 28 February - The European Data Protection Board has kicked off its Coordinated Enforcement Framework (CEF) action for 2024. Throughout the year, 31 Data Protection Authorities (DPAs), including 7 German State-level DPAs, across the EEA will take part in this initiative on the implementation of the right of access.

During its October 2023 plenary, the EDPB selected the right of access for its third coordinated enforcement action, as it is at the heart of data protection and one of the most frequently exercised data protection rights, and one which DPAs receive many complaints about. In particular, it enables individuals to check whether their personal data is processed in a compliant manner by organisations. In addition, it often enables the exercise of the other data protection rights, such as the right to rectification and erasure.

In 2023, the EDPB adopted Guidelines on data subject rights - Right of access to help organisations respond to data access requests from individuals in line with the requirements set out in the GDPR. To gauge how organisations are complying with the right of access in practice, participating DPAs will implement the CEF in a number of ways:

  • organisations will be sent questionnaires to aid fact-finding exercises or to identify if a formal investigation is warranted;
  • commencement of a formal investigation; and/or
  • follow-up of ongoing formal investigations.

The results of the joint initiative will be analysed in a coordinated manner and the DPAs will decide on possible further supervision and enforcement actions. In addition, all results will be aggregated, generating deeper insight into the topic and allowing targeted follow-up at EU level. The EDPB will publish a report on the outcome of this analysis once the actions are concluded.

This series of actions is the third initiative under the Coordinated Enforcement Framework (CEF), which aims to streamline enforcement and cooperation among DPAs.

Previous coordinated actions looked into the use of cloud services by the public sector, in 2022, and the designation and position of Data Protection Officers, in 2023.

 

For further information:

 

EDPB

January plenary - adopted documents

2 weeks 6 days ago
EDPB

EDPB clarifies notion of main establishment and calls on EU legislators to make sure CSAM Regulation respects rights to privacy and data protection

1 month ago

Brussels, 14 February - During its latest plenary, the EDPB adopted an Opinion on the notion of main establishmentand on the criteria for the application of the One-Stop-Shop mechanismfollowing an Art. 64(2) GDPR request by the French Data Protection Authority (DPA). The Opinion clarifies the notion of a controller’s “main establishment” in the EU, in particular for cases where decisions regarding the processing are taken outside the EU. 

EDPB Chair Anu Talus said: “The notion of main establishment is one of the cornerstones of the One-Stop-Shop. It is key in determining which, if any, DPA is the lead supervisory authority in cross-border data protection cases. The EDPB Opinion sheds further light on the conditions for controllers to access the One-Stop-Shop and provides further guidance for DPAs when determining which DPA is in the lead.” 

In its Opinion, the EDPB considers that a controller’s “place of central administration” in the EU can be considered as a main establishment under Art. 4(16)(a) GDPR only if it takes the decisions on the purposes and means of the processing of personal data and if it has the power to have such decisions implemented. The EDPB further explains that the One-Stop-Shop mechanism can only apply if there is evidence that one of the establishments of the controller in the Union takes decisions on the purposes and means for the relevant processing operations and has the power to have these decisions implemented. This means that, when the decisions on the purposes and means of the processing are taken outside of the EU, there should be no main establishment of the controller in the Union, and therefore the One-Stop-Shop should not apply.

This Opinion is the latest in a series of concrete actions taken by the EDPB following its Vienna Statement on cross-border enforcement, aiming to streamline enforcement and cooperation among DPAs. 

Next, the EDPB adopted a Statement on the legislative developments regarding the Proposal for a Regulation laying down rules to prevent and combat child sexual abuse. The Statement follows the EDPB-EDPS Joint Opinion on the European Commission’s Proposal for a Regulation and focuses on the latest legislative developments, in particular the position of the European Parliament of November 2023. 

The EDPB welcomes the many improvements proposed by the Parliament, such as exempting end-to-end encrypted communications from detection orders. However, the EDPB regrets that the text proposed by the Parliament does not seem to fully resolve important issues flagged by the EDPB and the EDPS related to general and indiscriminate monitoring of private communications in particular in relation to the issuing of detection orders. 

EDPB Chair Anu Talus said: “Child sexual abuse is a particularly heinous crime and requires effective solutions. It is important that any new legal instrument is unambiguous and respects the fundamental rights to privacy and data protection. An excessive level of access to online communications would undermine those important principles and may itself have negative impacts on the rights, and the safety, of both adults and children alike; we must be very careful of actions which ultimately do more harm than good. The EDPB is of the opinion that the wording proposed by the Parliament should provide appropriate guarantees that detection orders will be sufficiently targeted, to ensure that it can protect victims without disproportionally affecting the rights and freedoms protected by EU law.”

The EDPB stresses the importance to further limit the risk that those orders could affect persons who are unlikely to be involved in child sexual abuse-related crimes. Furthermore, the EDPB regrets that detection orders are not limited to child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) that are already known to authorities, despite the fact that the technologies used to detect new CSAM have proven in the past to have significant error rates.

During the plenary, the EDPB also discussed the scope of the guidance related to the Consent or Pay model. In addition to the upcoming Art. 64 (2) Opinion, which will address the Consent or Pay model in the context of large online platforms, it was agreed that there is a need to consecutively develop Guidelines with a broader scope.

Finally, the EDPB nominated several representatives to take part in, respectively, the European Commission’s Data Privacy Framework review team, Digital Markets Act High-Level Subgroup on Art. 5.2 DMA, and Digital Services Act taskforce on age verification

EDPB

EDPB launches website auditing tool

1 month 2 weeks ago

The EDPB has launched a website auditing tool that can be used to help analyse whether websites are compliant with the law. The tool was developed in the context of the EDPB Support Pool of Experts (SPE) and can be used by both legal and technical auditors at data protection authorities (DPAs), as well as by controllers and processors who wish to test their own websites. The tool is a Free and Open Source Software under the EUPL 1.2 Licence and is available for download on code.europa.eu. The source code is available here

The new tool allows preparing, carrying out and evaluating audits directly in the tool by a simple visit to the website in question. The tool is also compatible with other tools, such as the EDPS website evidence collector, and allows auditors to import and evaluate the results of audits carried out on those tools. Finally, the tool can generate reports. 

While several website auditing tools already exist, these usually require technical expertise. Therefore, the EDPB decided to develop a solution that would be easy to use in order to facilitate enforcement by national DPAs and compliance checks by controllers. 
The software was developed by an SPE expert under the supervision of the EDPB Secretariat. It was presented to auditors from DPAs at the first EDPB Bootcamp in June 2023. Following positive feedback from the participants, it was decided to consolidate the software and publish it as Free and Open Source Software. A second version with new features is planned for later this year. 

The Support Pool of Experts was developed as part of the EDPB 2021-2023 Strategy to help DPAs increase their capacity to enforce by developing common tools and giving them access to a wide pool of experts.

EDPB

This Data Protection Day, meet the EDPB Chair!

1 month 3 weeks ago

On the occasion of Data Protection Day, we invite you to meet EDPB Chair Anu Talus, who was appointed in May 2023 for a mandate of 5 years. 

Check out the video below to learn all about how the Chair combines her work at the EDPB with her work as Finnish Data Protection Ombudsman and how both roles complement and enrich each other. 

Happy Data Protection Day from all of us at the EDPB! 

Hyvää tietosuojapäivää meiltä kaikilta EDPB:ssä!

 

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EDPB

EDPB publishes OSS case digest on Security of Processing and Data Breach Notification

2 months ago

The EDPB has published a thematic one-stop-shop case digest on Security of Processing (Art. 32 GDPR) and Data Breach Notification (Art. 33 & 34 GDPR).

Since the entry into force of the GDPR, data protection authorities (DPAs) have closely cooperated to adopt a growing number of one-stop-shop decisions on data security and data breaches.

The case digest offers valuable insights on how DPAs have interpreted and applied GDPR provisions in diverse scenarios, such as hacking, ransomware, or accidental data disclosure.

Case handlers working within DPAs now have a rich pool of analyses of security incidents, along with the corresponding security measures found to be appropriate or not in the specific context.

The summary and analysis of these decisions are useful for organisations (both controllers and processors) when assessing whether their security measures are appropriate, both before and following a data breach.

This is the second instalment of the EDPB’s case digests, which look at a selection of one-stop-shop decisions taken from the EDPB’s public register. The one-stop-shop case digest are produced within the framework of the EDPB Support Pool of Experts, a strategic initiative that helps DPAs increase their capacity to supervise and enforce. 
 

EDPB

EDPB identifies areas of improvement to promote the role and recognition of DPOs

2 months ago

Brussels, 17 January - During its latest plenary, the EDPB adopted a report on the findings of its second coordinated enforcement action, which focused on the designation and position of Data Protection Officers (DPOs). The report is the result of an EU-wide coordinated investigation and lists the obstacles currently faced by DPOs, along with a series of recommendations to further strengthen their role. 

Anu Talus, EDPB Chair said: “The Coordinated Enforcement Framework (CEF) enables data protection authorities (DPAs) to cooperate more closely on selected topics in order to achieve better efficiency and more consistency. DPOs play an important part in contributing to compliance with data protection law and promoting effective protection of data subject rights. Through the CEF, DPAs investigated whether DPOs have the means to fulfil their tasks, as required by the GDPR. The report provides an analysis of the challenges faced by DPOs, along with points of attention and recommendations to address these challenges.”

In the course of 2023, 25 DPAs across the European Economic Area (EEA) (including the EDPS) launched coordinated investigations into this topic. Various organisations, as well as DPOs were contacted across the EEA, covering a wide range of sectors (both public and private entities), and more than 17,000 replies were received and analysed. Extensive data was collected offering valuable insights into the profile, position and work of DPOs 5 years after the entry into application of the GDPR. 

Despite some concerns and challenges faced by some DPOs  (such as the lack of designation of a DPO, even if mandatory; insufficient resources or expert knowledge for the DPO; DPOs not being fully entrusted with the tasks required under data protection law; lack of independence or of reporting to the highest management), the results are encouraging. The majority of the DPOs interrogated declare that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to do their work and receive regular trainings; they have clearly defined tasks in line with the GDPR and do not receive instructions on how to exercise their duties. In addition, they indicate that they are consulted in most cases, and provided with sufficient information to fulfil their tasks, and their opinions are followed quite well. Moreover, most consider that they have the means to do their job. However, there are still too many DPOs who are not in such a position. 

In order to address the challenges identified, the report lists some recommendations for organisations, DPOs and DPAs to strengthen DPOs’ independence and to guarantee that they have the necessary resources to carry out their tasks. Among others, the report encourages DPAs to carry out more awareness-raising activities, information and enforcement actions. The report also encourages organisations to ensure that DPOs have sufficient opportunities, time and resources to refresh their knowledge and learn about the latest developments.

The report is accompanied by two appendices: the statistics gathered during this action and the national reports of each participating DPA.

The CEF is a key action of the EDPB under its 2021-2023 Strategy, aimed at streamlining enforcement and cooperation among DPAs. The CEF 2024 action will be on the implementation of the right of access by data controllers.

 

Further information on national designation and position of DPO:

EDPB

EDPB: cookie pledge initiative should help protect fundamental rights and freedoms of users

2 months 4 weeks ago

During its latest plenary, the EDPB adopted a letter in response to the European Commission regarding the cookie pledge voluntary initiative. The EDPB welcomes the Commission’s initiative, which aims to help protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of users, to empower them to make effective choices, and to increase transparency towards users

The cookie pledge initiative was developed by the European Commission in response to concerns regarding the so-called “cookie fatigue” phenomenon and consists of a voluntary business pledge to simplify the management of cookies and personalised advertising choices by consumers. On 10 October 2023, the European Commission asked the EDPB to consider whether any of the draft pledge principles would be contrary to the GDPR and the ePrivacy Directive.

The draft pledging principles would ensure that users receive concrete information on how their data is processed, as well as on the consequences of accepting different types of cookies. Users would therefore have greater control over the processing of their data. In addition, with the draft principles, consent should not be asked again for a year once it has been refused, this is an important step towards reducing cookie fatigue. 

Furthermore, the EDPB flags that adherence to the cookie pledge principles by organisations does not equal compliance with the GDPR or ePrivacy Directive. The data protection authorities remain competent to exercise their powers when necessary.

EDPB

EDPB: Application of the GDPR successful, but sufficient resources are necessary to tackle the challenges of the future

3 months ago

Brussels, 15 December - During its latest plenary, the EDPB adopted its contribution to the European Commission’s report on the application of the GDPR. The EDPB considers that the application of the GDPR in the first 5 and a half years has been successful. While a number of important challenges lie ahead, the EDPB considers it premature to revise the GDPR at this point in time and calls on the co-legislators to swiftly adopt the new Regulation laying down additional procedural rules relating to the cross-border enforcement of the GDPR. In addition, the EDPB stresses that the DPAs and the EDPB need sufficient resources to continue carrying out their tasks.

EDPB Chair Anu Talus said: “The GDPR has strengthened, modernised and harmonised data protection principles across the EU. The EDPB guidance played a key role in making individuals and businesses aware of their rights and responsibilities under the GDPR. We will keep on supporting the implementation of the GDPR in particular by SMEs, and more generally raising awareness of the GDPR. In addition, cooperation among DPAs and enforcement of the GDPR has gained momentum. More than ever, the EDPB is committed to ensure effective and consistent enforcement of the GDPR.”

The EDPB has consolidated its position as the EU body in charge of ensuring the consistent application of the GDPR, making use of the full set of instruments at its disposal. It has built a comprehensive library of guidance documents to help promote compliance among controllers and processors and consistent enforcement by DPAs. In addition, it has supplied a framework for the practical application of compliance tools such as codes of conduct and certification mechanisms, which has enabled them to become operational in a consistent manner across the EU. Furthermore, the EDPB has aptly played its unique role in settling disputes in cross-border cases, thereby ensuring the consistent application of the GDPR.

Regarding enforcement, the EDPB is convinced that effective and efficient cooperation between DPAs leads to a common data protection culture. The existing tools in the GDPR have the potential to achieve this goal, provided that they are used in a sufficiently harmonised way.

The EDPB  and  the  DPAs  will  continue  their  efforts  to further enhance enforcement  cooperation and to  achieve  more  efficient  and  consistent results within the current legal framework.

Given the importance of streamlining national procedural rules, the EDPB submitted in October 2022 a ‘wish list’ to the European Commission, on procedural aspects that could be harmonised at EU level. The EDPB-EDPS joint opinion of 19 September 2023 on the Proposal for a Regulation laying down additional procedural rules relating to the enforcement of the GDPR, welcomed that the proposal aims to foster effective enforcement of data protection rules and intends to give effect to many of the suggestions contained in the ‘EDPB wish list’; it also made a number of recommendations to ensure the greatest possible efficiency of this upcoming Regulation.

Moreover, the EDPB calls on Member States to make sure that all DPAs have the necessary resources to carry out their tasks effectively, as there are considerable challenges ahead. First and foremost, the continuously evolving technological landscape presents new data protection challenges every day. New legislation is also considered or has been introduced, providing additional rules to create a safer digital space and to establish a level playing field for businesses in the digital economy, such as the DMA, the DSA, the DGA or the proposal for an AI Act. These new legislations may place additional responsibilities on DPAs or the EDPB with regard to enforcement and supervision. However, there is a discrepancy between this increasing workload, and the available resources. In addition, both the EDPB’s and DPAs’ tasks under the GDPR continue at an increased intensity. Moreover, increased enforcement cooperation among DPAs, which in turn leads to higher involvement of the EDPB, has had a significant impact on the workload. The success in the performance of these tasks relies largely on the resources available to the DPAs and to the EDPB, including via its Secretariat. It is therefore essential to ensure that the EDPB Secretariat is provided with the necessary resources, as it plays a key role in the preparation and execution of many of the tasks entrusted to the EDPB.

Regarding international transfers, the EDPB underlines the importance of continuing to develop adequacy decisions with third countries and international organisations, and expects the Commission to finalise  its  work  on  the  review  of  the  adequacy  decisions  adopted under  Directive  95/46/EC.

In addition, the EDPB encourages the Commission to continue developing international cooperation and stresses the importance of effective enforcement cooperation with third countries.

During the plenary, the EDPB also held a general discussion on the ‘pay or ok’ model. It was decided that a request for mandate for guidelines on this topic will be prepared.

EDPB

EDPB publishes urgent binding decision regarding Meta

3 months 1 week ago

Brussels, 7 December 2023 - Following the EDPB’s urgent binding decision of October 27th 2023, the Irish data protection authority (IE DPA) adopted its final decision on 10 November 2023, imposing a ban on Meta Ireland Limited (Meta IE) for the processing of personal data for behavioural advertising purposes on the basis of contract and legitimate interest. The EDPB urgent binding decision followed a request from the Norwegian Data Protection Authority (NO DPA) to order final measures in this matter which would have effect in the entire European Economic Area (EEA).

EDPB Chair Anu Talus said: After careful consideration, the EDPB considered it necessary to instruct the IE DPA to impose an EEA-wide processing ban, addressed to Meta IE. Already in December 2022, the EDPB Binding Decisions clarified that contract is not a suitable legal basis for the processing of personal data carried out by Meta for behavioural advertising. In addition, Meta has been found by the IE DPA to not have demonstrated compliance with the orders imposed at the end of last year. This has led to the use of the Art. 66 urgency procedure - a derogation from the usual cooperation procedure which can only be used in exceptional circumstances.”

On 14 July 2023, the NO DPA adopted an order imposing a temporary ban under Art. 66 (1) GDPR on Meta IE and Facebook Norway AS (“Facebook Norway”) regarding the processing of personal data of Norwegian data subjects for behavioural advertising relying on the legal bases of contract or legitimate interest. This ban was limited in time and geographic scope: it was valid for three months and only applicable in Norway. On 26 September 2023, the NO DPA submitted a request to the EDPB for an urgent binding decision to order the adoption of final measures applicable for users in all EEA states. 

Following its analysis of the file, the EDPB concluded that there are ongoing infringements of the GDPR and there is an urgent need to act in light of the risks for the rights and freedoms of the data subjects.

Based on the evidence provided, the EDPB found that there was an ongoing infringement of art. 6 (1) GDPR because of the inappropriate use of the legal bases of contract and legitimate interest for the processing of personal data collected by Meta IE for the purpose of behavioural advertising. 

In addition, the EDPB concluded that there was also an ongoing infringement of Meta’s duty to comply with decisions by DPAs, most notably the IE DPAs final decisions of December 2022. 

Regarding the existence of urgency, the EDPB concluded that the regular cooperation mechanisms cannot be applied in their usual manner and that the urgent need to order final measures is clear in light of the risks of serious and irreparable harm caused to data subjects without the adoption of final measures.

Furthermore, the EDPB found that the IE DPA failed to address a request for mutual assistance from the NO DPA within the timeframe set out in the GDPR. The presumption of urgency set by Art. 61 (8) GDPR therefore applies, which further corroborates the need to derogate from the regular cooperation and consistency mechanisms.

The EDPB therefore decided that final measures needed to be adopted by the IE DPA. It considered it appropriate, proportionate and necessary to instruct the IE DPA to impose a ban on processing addressed to Meta IE for processing of personal data collected on Meta’s products for behavioural advertising purposes on the basis of contract and legitimate interest. 

This urgent binding decision was addressed to the IE DPA, the NO DPA and the other concerned DPAs and the IE DPA adopted its final decision on 10 November 2023.

 

Background

Timeline


 

What is Art. 66 GDPR?

In exceptional circumstances, when a DPA considers that there is an urgent need to act in order to protect the rights and freedoms of data subjects within its territory, it can adopt provisional measures that have a legal effect on their own territory for a maximum of three months.

These measures are adopted by way of derogation from the GDPR's consistency mechanism (Art. 63 GDPR) or the One-Stop-Shop mechanism (Art.60 GDPR). This tool was designed so that authorities are always in a position to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals in their respective Member State, in all circumstances.

The DPA that issues such provisional measures must communicate these measures and the reasons for adopting them without undue delay to the other DPAs concerned, the European Data Protection Board and the European Commission.

If the DPA that has taken such provisional measures considers that final measures need to be adopted urgently, it can request an urgent opinion or an urgent binding decision from the EDPB, providing the reasons for the urgent need to order the adoption of final measures by derogation to the standard cooperation and consistency procedures.

EDPB

CSC re-elects Deputy Coordinator

3 months 2 weeks ago

The Coordinated Supervision Committee (CSC) has re-elected Sebastian Hümmeler from the German Federal data protection authority as its Deputy Coordinator for a term of two years. 

The CSC ensures the coordinated supervision of the large EU Information Systems and of EU bodies, offices and agencies in accordance with Article 62 of Regulation 2018/1725 or with the EU legal act establishing the large scale IT system or EU body, office or agency. It was created within the framework of the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) and brings together the EU data protection authorities (DPAs) and the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS), as well as the data protection authorities of the Non-EU Schengen Member States, when foreseen under EU law.

The CSC currently covers the Internal Market Information system (IMI), Eurojust, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) and Europol and the Schengen Information System (SIS). Gradually, the Committee will also cover other IT systems, bodies, offices and agencies in the fields of Border, Asylum and Migration (EES, Eurodac, ETIAS, VIS, and their interoperability), Police and Justice Cooperation (SIS, ECRIS-TCN) and the next generation Prüm. You can find more information on the Committee here: https://edpb.europa.eu/csc/about-csc/who-we-are-coordinated-supervision-committee_en  

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