Irish DPA Publishes 2025 Case Studies
The Data Protection Commission (DPC) of Ireland has published its 2025 case studies, providing practical insights into how GDPR is enforced and interpreted in real-life situations. The document covers a variety of cases involving individuals, organizations, and public bodies, highlighting issues such as access requests, data breaches, and the handling of personal data. Fines imposed by the DPC ranged up to several million Euros, reflecting the seriousness of non-compliance and the importance of upholding data protection standards across all sectors.
Key cases included failures to respond to subject access requests in a timely manner, improper disclosure of information, and inadequate security measures that led to data breaches. Several organizations faced enforcement actions for lacking transparency in their privacy notices or failing to implement appropriate technical and organizational measures. The DPC also addressed complaints related to the use of CCTV, direct marketing, and the transfer of data outside the EU, reaffirming the need for organizations to ensure lawful processing under Articles 5 and 6 of the GDPR.
The case studies illustrate the DPC’s commitment to protecting individuals’ rights and ensuring accountability among data controllers and processors. Organizations are urged to regularly review their data protection practices, provide clear communication with data subjects, and maintain robust security. The DPC’s actions serve as a strong reminder that compliance with GDPR is not optional and that significant financial penalties can result from breaches, with fines converted from previous figures now reaching up to €1.2 million in certain cases.
Key Takeaways:
- The Irish DPC’s 2025 case studies highlight practical enforcement of GDPR.
- Organizations were fined up to €1.2 million for GDPR violations.
- Common issues included delayed access request responses and data breaches.
- Transparency in privacy notices remains a critical compliance factor.
- The DPC addressed issues with CCTV, direct marketing, and data transfers outside the EU.
- Strong technical and organizational measures are essential for data protection.
- Regular review of data practices is advised for all organizations.
- Individuals’ rights are a central focus in DPC enforcement decisions.
