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In recent years, the European Union has been making noise about the need for a shake-up in how it tackles Big Tech companies regarding the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Despite waving hefty fines and brandishing regulatory swords, the actual implementation of decisions to tackle GDPR violations has been dragging its feet.
To freshen things up and get personal data protection back on track, the European Commission is stepping up its game. They're turning up the dial to monitor how data protection authorities across EU member states dance to the GDPR tune. Picture it like regular check-ins, a bit like a health check for the enforcement of GDPR.
The European Commission is now all about regular reviews of "large-scale" cases, aiming to squash criticism that GDPR enforcement is seen as "too weak and too slow." How? By asking national data protection supervisors for updates every two months (that's six times a year). These reports will spill the beans on the juicy details: case numbers, who's involved, the type of investigations, GDPR rules in question, the data protection authorities on the case, and the steps taken to fix things.
Those big GDPR cases, like the ones about Big Adtech’s tricky business models or the challenges thrown at Google for tracking our every move, have been hanging in limbo for way too long. The EU is rolling up its sleeves, aiming to be more effective and timely in enforcing the rules.
But here's the rub – despite GDPR theoretically protecting us from tech giants playing fast and loose with our data, they seem to be doing it anyway. The EU wants to change this by ensuring our rights aren’t just a puppet in the market play directed by major tech platforms.
People are even talking about "friendly" Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) in some states, where tech giants set up shop. That’s a bit like having referees who cheer for one team. The EU wants a closer look at how EU member states are handling GDPR compliance – a bit like making sure everyone plays fair.
Dr. Johnny Ryan from the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) says, “Who's watching the watchmen?” The ICCL sees the European Commission's actions as a big makeover for GDPR in Europe, giving a nod to genuine enforcement and serious oversight of Big Tech.
Cue the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), facing a bit of side-eye for its approach to GDPR. People are grumbling about drawn-out investigations and whether the DPC is actually tackling the issues folks are complaining about.
The DPC’s move to initiate "proprietary investigations" is raising eyebrows. It's like giving them a backstage pass to set their agenda, potentially dodging the real concerns raised in complaints. Examples like the DPC's call on WhatsApp show that a more thorough investigation into GDPR violations is needed.
The European Commission isn’t just talking the talk; they're gearing up to address GDPR non-compliance. Why? Well, it’s not just about keeping promises, but also because GDPR is the foundation of a grander digital plan. With big dreams in data management, reuse, and artificial intelligence, they can't have GDPR gaps messing up the EU’s carefully crafted digital game.
Even though the Commission didn’t give us a strict timeline in their statement, the promise to propose changes this year is a sign they're rolling up their sleeves to tighten GDPR enforcement. The EU wants its digital scene to follow the rules they have set. It’s a bit like giving the digital landscape a friendly nudge in the right direction.
If you have questions regarding GDPR, please contact us. Data protection and privacy are the main areas of Avitar’s work.
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Serhii Floreskul
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Violetta Loseva
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