Data protection authority perspectives on the impact of data protection reform on cooperation in the EU

Abstract

This article presents the findings of interviews with representatives from the majority of EU data protection authorities in the context of the ongoing data protection reform process. It not only identifies commonalities between the authorities to the extent it is possible to speak about an EU DPA perspective, but also identifies areas of tension and disagreement as well as future intentions. The focus of the article is upon the impact of the data protection reform process on the way that these independent bodies, located in EU Member States will increasingly have to cooperate at an EU-level. Capturing these perspectives at this moment in the reform process provides not only insight into the process from a group of concerned stakeholders, but also insight into how these stakeholders are (re-)positioning themselves, planning, and anticipating the impacts of the reform.