Data protection as a pillar of citizens’ empowerment and the EU’s approach to the digital transition – two years of application of the General Data Protection Regulation

Summary:

Communication published by the European Commission on 24 June 2020, which reports on the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2016/679, also known as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Further information:

The GDPR applies since 25 May 2018 and it is at the heart of the European Union's framework guaranteeing the fundamental right to data protection. This report is the first one on the evaluation and review of the GDPR, in particular on the application and functioning of the rules on the transfer of personal data to third countries and international organisations and of the rules on cooperation and consistency.

The report shows the GDPR met most of its objectives, in particular by offering citizens a strong set of enforceable rights and by creating a new European system of governance and enforcement. The GDPR proved to be flexible to support digital solutions in unforeseen circumstances. The report also concludes that harmonisation across the Member States is increasing, although there is a certain level of fragmentation that ought to be continually monitored. It also finds that businesses have progressively been developing a compliance culture and have increasingly used strong data protection as a competitive advantage.

The report contains a list of actions to facilitate further the application of the GDPR for all stakeholders to promote and further develop a truly European data protection culture and vigorous enforcement.

• Primary Source

• Alternative Source

Official

EUR-LEX: SWD(2020)115: Staff Working Document accompanying the Communication https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=SWD:2020:115:FIN

European Commission: Press Release, 24/06/2020: Commission report: EU data protection rules empower citizens and are fit for the digital age https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_1163

European Commission: Two years of the GDPR: Questions and answers (24 June 2020) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_20_1166

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