EDPS Annual Report 2024: Future Data Protection and GDPR Enforcement
The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) has published its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting key developments and challenges in data protection across the European Union. The report emphasizes the importance of upholding fundamental rights in the digital age, ensuring that data privacy remains a priority amid rapid technological advancements. It outlines the EDPS’s role in supervising EU institutions and promoting compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
A significant focus of the report is on the enforcement actions taken by the EDPS, which include investigations and recommendations aimed at strengthening data protection frameworks. These efforts are designed to address emerging risks related to artificial intelligence, data sharing, and cross-border data flows. The EDPS also stresses the need for greater transparency and accountability from both public and private sector entities handling personal data.
The report provides insight into the EDPS’s advisory role in shaping EU policies, particularly in areas where data protection intersects with innovation and security. It underlines the necessity of balancing technological progress with respect for individual privacy rights. The EDPS calls for continuous dialogue among stakeholders to foster a data protection culture that supports trust and legal certainty.
Financially, the EDPS operates with a budget of approximately €12 million, which supports its activities in monitoring, enforcement, and policy advice. The report also highlights future priorities, including enhanced cooperation with national data protection authorities and increased focus on digital sovereignty. These measures aim to reinforce the EU’s leadership in data protection and ensure robust safeguards for citizens’ personal data.
