Article 51 GDPR: Difference between revisions

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==Commentary==
==Commentary==
Chapter VI of the GDPR is dedicated to supervisory authorities ("''SAs''"). SA is defined in [[Article 4 GDPR|Article 4(21) GDPR]] as an independent public authority which is established by a Member State pursuant to Article 51 GDPR. Chapter VI is divided into two sections. The first section regulates SAs' establishment, staffing and other organizational requirements that the Member State must enforce to ensure their independent and proper functioning. The second section defines the tasks and powers of SAs.  
Chapter VI of the GDPR is dedicated to supervisory authorities ("''SAs''"). SA is defined in [[Article 4 GDPR|Article 4(21) GDPR]] as an independent public authority which is established by a Member State pursuant to Article 51 GDPR. Chapter VI is divided into two sections. The former regulates SAs' establishment, staffing and other organizational requirements that the Member State must enforce to ensure their independent and proper functioning. While the latter defines the tasks and powers of SAs.  


Article 51 GDPR marks the beginning of the GDPR's administrative framework, wherein SAs play a crucial role.<ref>''Hijmans'', in Kuner, Bygrave, Docksey, The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): A Commentary, Article 51 GDPR, p. 867 (Oxford University Press 2020).</ref> The provision is fundamental to the establishment of SAs as independent bodies. It is followed by Articles that provide for more detailed rules on the duties and powers afforded to SAs. Article 51 GDPR and its related Articles provide the institutional framework for the regulation and enforcement of data protection laws, fulfilling one of the GDPR's main objectives.<ref>A c''omprehensive approach'' on personal ''data protection'' in the ''European Union''<nowiki/>', Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, (''2010'') COM(''2010'') ''609 final'' (available [https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2010:0609:FIN:EN:PDF here]).</ref>
Article 51 GDPR marks the beginning of the GDPR's administrative framework, wherein SAs play a crucial role.<ref>''Hijmans'', in Kuner, Bygrave, Docksey, The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): A Commentary, Article 51 GDPR, p. 867 (Oxford University Press 2020).</ref> It is followed by Articles that provide for more detailed rules on the duties and powers afforded to SAs. Article 51 GDPR and its related Articles provide the institutional framework for the regulation and enforcement of data protection laws, fulfilling one of the GDPR's main objectives.<ref>A c''omprehensive approach'' on personal ''data protection'' in the ''European Union''<nowiki/>', Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, (''2010'') COM(''2010'') ''609 final'' (available [https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2010:0609:FIN:EN:PDF here]).</ref>


Article 51 GDPR is closely connected to [[Article 4 GDPR|Article 4(21)]] (definition of SA), [[Article 52 GDPR|Article 52]] (independence), [[Article 53 GDPR|Article 53]] (General conditions for the members of SA), [[Article 54 GDPR|Article 54]] (Rules on the establishment of SA), [[Article 55 GDPR|Articles 55]]-[[Article 59 GDPR|59]] (Competence, tasks and powers), [[Article 60 GDPR|Articles 60]]-[[Article 62 GDPR|62]] (Cooperation), [[Article 63 GDPR|Articles 63]]-[[Article 67 GDPR|67]] (Consistency) and [[Article 68 GDPR|Article 68]]-[[Article 76 GDPR|76]] (European Data Protection Board).<ref>''Hijmans'', in Kuner, Bygrave, Docksey, The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): A Commentary, Article 51 GDPR, p. 867 (Oxford University Press 2020).</ref>
The provision is fundamental to the establishment of SAs as independent bodies, and serves a dual function in this regard. The first, is that it serves as a core article, providing a basis upon which other Articles build upon. Its second function is to set out SAs' key duties under the GDPR. Article 51 GDPR is closely connected to [[Article 4 GDPR|Article 4(21)]] (definition of SA), [[Article 52 GDPR|Article 52]] (independence), [[Article 53 GDPR|Article 53]] (General conditions for the members of SA), [[Article 54 GDPR|Article 54]] (Rules on the establishment of SA), [[Article 55 GDPR|Articles 55]]-[[Article 59 GDPR|59]] (Competence, tasks and powers), [[Article 60 GDPR|Articles 60]]-[[Article 62 GDPR|62]] (Cooperation), [[Article 63 GDPR|Articles 63]]-[[Article 67 GDPR|67]] (Consistency) and [[Article 68 GDPR|Article 68]]-[[Article 76 GDPR|76]] (European Data Protection Board).<ref>''Hijmans'', in Kuner, Bygrave, Docksey, The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): A Commentary, Article 51 GDPR, p. 867 (Oxford University Press 2020).</ref>


=== (1) Establishment of a supervisory authority (SA) ===
=== (1) Establishment of a supervisory authority (SA) ===
==== Establishment of SAs ====
==== Establishment of SAs ====
Recital 117 notes that the effective and independent functioning of SAs constitutes an essential element of the fundamental right to data protection. It is also an essential component of the right to data protection under CJEU case law.<ref>''Hijmans'', in Kuner, Bygrave, Docksey, The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): A Commentary, Article 51 GDPR, p. 864-868 (Oxford University Press 2020).</ref> Consequently, pursuant to Article 51(1) GDPR, each Member State must appoint one or more supervisory authority, which are to be independent public authorities.
Recital 117 notes that the effective and independent functioning of SAs constitutes an essential element of a data subject's fundamental right to data protection. It is also an essential component of the right to data protection under CJEU case law.<ref>''Hijmans'', in Kuner, Bygrave, Docksey, The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): A Commentary, Article 51 GDPR, p. 864-868 (Oxford University Press 2020).</ref> Consequently, pursuant to Article 51(1) GDPR, each Member State must appoint one or more supervisory authority, which are to be independent public authorities.


===== Independent =====
===== Independent =====
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===== Exceptions =====
===== Exceptions =====
The GDPR provides for some exceptions with regard to SAs, in instances where the right to the protection of personal data must be reconciled with other rights and freedoms of data subjects. For instance, [[Article 85 GDPR|Article 85(2) GDPR]] provides that Member States shall provide for exemptions or derogations from Chapter VI (independent supervisory authorities) for processing carried out for journalistic purposes or the purpose of academic artistic or literary expression. In practice, these derogations have resulted in the establishment of sector specific SAs, where provided for by the GDPR. For example, under [[Article 85 GDPR|Article 85(2) GDPR]], some German states have established separate SAs for broadcasting companies.   
The GDPR provides for exceptions from the criteria regulating the establishment of SAs. These exceptions are confined to the following purposes. For instance, [[Article 85 GDPR|Article 85(2) GDPR]] provides that Member States shall provide for exemptions or derogations from Chapter VI (independent supervisory authorities) for processing carried out for journalistic purposes or the purpose of academic artistic or literary expression. In practice, these derogations have resulted in the establishment of sector specific SAs, where provided for by the GDPR. For example, under [[Article 85 GDPR|Article 85(2) GDPR]], some German states have established separate SAs for broadcasting companies. In essence, these purposes seek to reconcile the right to the protection of personal data with other rights and freedoms of data subjects.   


Furthermore, [[Article 91 GDPR|Article 91(2) GDPR]] allows for the establishment of separate SAs for religious groups. This provision has also been relied upon in Germany, where SAs are partly incorporated within the Catholic and Protestant churches. While the independence of these 'special' SAs are partly compromised due to their interdependence with other bodies, they are still subject to the same oversight and procedural rules governing public bodies.  
Furthermore, [[Article 91 GDPR|Article 91(2) GDPR]] allows for the establishment of separate SAs for religious groups. This provision has also been relied upon in Germany, where SAs are partly incorporated within the Catholic and Protestant churches. While the independence of these 'special' SAs are partly compromised due to their interdependence with other bodies, they are still subject to the same oversight and procedural rules governing public bodies.  
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Protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals includes monitoring the application of ''all'' elements of the GDPR, not only those relating to data subject rights, SAs' structure, tasks and powers serve this purpose.<ref>''Ziebarth,'' in Sydow, Marsch DS-GVO/BDSG, Article 51 GDPR, margin number 19 (Nomos 2022).</ref>
Protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals includes monitoring the application of ''all'' elements of the GDPR, not only those relating to data subject rights, SAs' structure, tasks and powers serve this purpose.<ref>''Ziebarth,'' in Sydow, Marsch DS-GVO/BDSG, Article 51 GDPR, margin number 19 (Nomos 2022).</ref>


In addition, SAs' protectionist function extends to all rights and freedoms guaranteed by the CFR.<ref>''Polenz'', in Simitis, Hornung, Spiecker gen. Döhmann, Datenschutzrecht, Article 51 GDPR, margin numbers 11-13 (Nomos 2019).</ref> Other laws and regulations are not outside of the SAs' jurisdiction, as to correctly apply the GDPR, SA's must regularly determine provisions in light of other laws.<blockquote><u>Example:</u> A SA must determine the necessity of processing personal data under applicable tax laws. In this instance, record keeping requirements under other laws become relevant for the purposes of [[Article 5 GDPR|Article 5(1)(e) GDPR]] when determining the duration for which data must be stored. Any such laws would also be relevant for determining whether the processing is necessary for complying with a legal obligation to which the controller is subject, under [[Article 6 GDPR|Article 6(1)(c) GDPR]].</blockquote>
In addition, SAs' protectionist function extends to all rights and freedoms guaranteed by the CFR and TFEU.<ref>''Polenz'', in Simitis, Hornung, Spiecker gen. Döhmann, Datenschutzrecht, Article 51 GDPR, margin numbers 11-13 (Nomos 2019).</ref> Other laws and regulations are not outside of the SAs' jurisdiction, as to correctly apply the GDPR, SA's must regularly determine provisions of the GDPR while taking into account other laws.<blockquote><u>Example:</u> A SA must determine the necessity of processing personal data under applicable tax laws. In this instance, record keeping requirements under other laws become applicable for the purposes of [[Article 5 GDPR|Article 5(1)(e) GDPR]] when determining the duration for which data must be stored. Any such laws would also be relevant for determining whether the processing is necessary for complying with a legal obligation to which the controller is subject, under [[Article 6 GDPR|Article 6(1)(c) GDPR]].</blockquote>


===== Facilitate the free flow of personal data within the Union =====
===== Facilitate the free flow of personal data within the Union =====
In line with the general objectives of the GDPR, as outlined in [[Article 1 GDPR]], SAs are also required to facilitate the free flow of personal data within the EEA ("Union"), taking into account the requirements of the single market. This requirement necessitates that SAs may not impose measures that have the capacity to impair or prevent the free flow of data within the EEA, as to do so would be to undermine the objective outlined in Article 1 GDPR.<ref>''Ziebarth,'' in Sydow, Marsch DS-GVO/BDSG, Article 51 GDPR, margin number 20 (Nomos 2022); see also Kühling, Buchner, Boehm, DS-GVO, Article 51 GDPR, margin number 13 (C.H. Beck 2020).</ref>
In line with the general objectives of the GDPR, as outlined in [[Article 1 GDPR]], SAs are also required to facilitate the free flow of personal data within the EEA ("Union"), taking into account the requirements of the single market. This requirement necessitates that SAs in the exercise of their powers, may not impose measures that have the capacity to impair or prevent the free flow of data within the EEA, as to do so would be to undermine the objective outlined in Article 1 GDPR.<ref>''Ziebarth,'' in Sydow, Marsch DS-GVO/BDSG, Article 51 GDPR, margin number 20 (Nomos 2022); see also Kühling, Buchner, Boehm, DS-GVO, Article 51 GDPR, margin number 13 (C.H. Beck 2020).</ref>


The aim of this provision should not be understood as an attempt to place the fundamental right to data protection on equal footing with the economic interests of controllers, which are rooted in the free flow of personal data within the common market. Instead the provision should be understood more as an aim to prevent the implementation of national measures relating to data protection, in a manner that would negatively affect the free flow of personal data. Nonetheless, the right to data protection is inevitably weighed up against economic interests through this provision, as it requires that any measures adopted by SAs do not unduly undermine the cross-border flow of data within the EU. Hijmans notes though, that after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, "''the centre of gravity in data protection is no longer the free flow of data but rather the protection of fundamental rights''."<ref>''Hijmans'', in Kuner, Bygrave, Docksey, The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): A Commentary, Article 51 GDPR, p. 868 (Oxford University Press 2020).</ref> This shift is reflective of a wider trend in the CJEU's case law, in which fundamental rights have begun to take a more dominant position.
The aim of this provision should not be understood as an attempt to place the fundamental right to data protection on equal footing with the free flow of personal data within the common market. Instead, the provision should be understood more as an aim to prevent the implementation of national measures relating to data protection, in a manner that would negatively affect the free flow of personal data. Nonetheless, given that the right to data protection is not an absolute right, it is inevitably weighed up against the free flow of personal data through this provision, as it requires that any measures adopted by SAs do not unduly undermine the cross-border flow of data within the EU. Commentators have noted though, that after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, "''the centre of gravity in data protection is no longer the free flow of data but rather the protection of fundamental rights''."<ref>''Hijmans'', in Kuner, Bygrave, Docksey, The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): A Commentary, Article 51 GDPR, p. 868 (Oxford University Press 2020).</ref> This shift is reflective of a wider trend in the CJEU's case law, in which fundamental rights have begun to take a more dominant position.


However, Boehm has taken a different reading of Article 51(1) GDPR's reconciliation of the right to data protection and the free flow of data within the internal market. She notes that this provision should be read as establishing a dual objective, in which one aim should not take priority over the other. The right to data protection and the right to free flow of personal data should be taken into account to the same extend and balanced equally.<ref>''Boehm'' in Kühling, Buchner, Article 51 GDPR, margin numbers 12 and 13 (C.H. Beck 2020).</ref>
However, other Commentators have taken a different reading of Article 51(1) GDPR's reconciliation of the right to data protection and the free flow of data within the internal market. She notes that this provision should be read as establishing a dual objective, in which one aim should not take priority over the other. The right to data protection and the right to free flow of personal data should be taken into account to the same extend and balanced equally.<ref>''Boehm'' in Kühling, Buchner, Article 51 GDPR, margin numbers 12 and 13 (C.H. Beck 2020).</ref>


=== (2) Consistent application of the GDPR ===
=== (2) Consistent application of the GDPR ===
Line 245: Line 245:


==== Contribute ====
==== Contribute ====
The use of the verb “''contribute''” denotes a form of proactive participation specifically aimed at the “''consistent monitoring and enforcement of this Regulation''” and, according to Recital 135, the uniform application of the law. Accordingly, SAs are required to identify any problems and act for their prompt resolution.  
The use of the verb “''contribute''” denotes a form of proactive participation specifically aimed at the “''consistent monitoring and enforcement of this Regulation''” and, according to Recital 135, the uniform application of the law. Accordingly, SAs are required to identify any problems and act for their prompt resolution. For example, issues could include the inactivity of an SA involved in a collegial decision-making process. 


==== Consistent application ====
==== Consistent application ====

Revision as of 14:47, 24 October 2023

Article 51 - Supervisory authority
Gdpricon.png
Chapter 10: Delegated and implementing acts

Legal Text


Article 51 - Supervisory authority

1. Each Member State shall provide for one or more independent public authorities to be responsible for monitoring the application of this Regulation, in order to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of natural persons in relation to processing and to facilitate the free flow of personal data within the Union (‘supervisory authority’).

2. Each supervisory authority shall contribute to the consistent application of this Regulation throughout the Union. For that purpose, the supervisory authorities shall cooperate with each other and the Commission in accordance with Chapter VII.

3. Where more than one supervisory authority is established in a Member State, that Member State shall designate the supervisory authority which is to represent those authorities in the Board and shall set out the mechanism to ensure compliance by the other authorities with the rules relating to the consistency mechanism referred to in Article 63.

4. Each Member State shall notify to the Commission the provisions of its law which it adopts pursuant to this Chapter, by 25 May 2018 and, without delay, any subsequent amendment affecting them.

Relevant Recitals

Recital 117: Establishment of Independent Supervisory Authorities
The establishment of supervisory authorities in Member States, empowered to perform their tasks and exercise their powers with complete independence, is an essential component of the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of their personal data. Member States should be able to establish more than one supervisory authority, to reflect their constitutional, organisational and administrative structure.

Recital 118: Control and Monitoring of Supervisory Authorities
The independence of supervisory authorities should not mean that the supervisory authorities cannot be subject to control or monitoring mechanisms regarding their financial expenditure or to judicial review.

Recital 119: Participation in Consistency Mechanism in Case of Multiple Supervisory Authorities
Where a Member State establishes several supervisory authorities, it should establish by law mechanisms for ensuring the effective participation of those supervisory authorities in the consistency mechanism. That Member State should in particular designate the supervisory authority which functions as a single contact point for the effective participation of those authorities in the mechanism, to ensure swift and smooth cooperation with other supervisory authorities, the Board and the Commission.

Commentary

Chapter VI of the GDPR is dedicated to supervisory authorities ("SAs"). SA is defined in Article 4(21) GDPR as an independent public authority which is established by a Member State pursuant to Article 51 GDPR. Chapter VI is divided into two sections. The former regulates SAs' establishment, staffing and other organizational requirements that the Member State must enforce to ensure their independent and proper functioning. While the latter defines the tasks and powers of SAs.

Article 51 GDPR marks the beginning of the GDPR's administrative framework, wherein SAs play a crucial role.[1] It is followed by Articles that provide for more detailed rules on the duties and powers afforded to SAs. Article 51 GDPR and its related Articles provide the institutional framework for the regulation and enforcement of data protection laws, fulfilling one of the GDPR's main objectives.[2]

The provision is fundamental to the establishment of SAs as independent bodies, and serves a dual function in this regard. The first, is that it serves as a core article, providing a basis upon which other Articles build upon. Its second function is to set out SAs' key duties under the GDPR. Article 51 GDPR is closely connected to Article 4(21) (definition of SA), Article 52 (independence), Article 53 (General conditions for the members of SA), Article 54 (Rules on the establishment of SA), Articles 55-59 (Competence, tasks and powers), Articles 60-62 (Cooperation), Articles 63-67 (Consistency) and Article 68-76 (European Data Protection Board).[3]

(1) Establishment of a supervisory authority (SA)

Establishment of SAs

Recital 117 notes that the effective and independent functioning of SAs constitutes an essential element of a data subject's fundamental right to data protection. It is also an essential component of the right to data protection under CJEU case law.[4] Consequently, pursuant to Article 51(1) GDPR, each Member State must appoint one or more supervisory authority, which are to be independent public authorities.

Independent

Article 8(3) of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union ("CFR") and Article 16(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union ("TFEU") require the independence of SAs. Both Articles provide that compliance with data protection law shall be subject to "control by an independent authority."[5]

Public

By definition, SAs must be public bodies (see Article 4(21) GDPR). Member States cannot outsource the enforcement of the GDPR to private entities.[6]

Exceptions

The GDPR provides for exceptions from the criteria regulating the establishment of SAs. These exceptions are confined to the following purposes. For instance, Article 85(2) GDPR provides that Member States shall provide for exemptions or derogations from Chapter VI (independent supervisory authorities) for processing carried out for journalistic purposes or the purpose of academic artistic or literary expression. In practice, these derogations have resulted in the establishment of sector specific SAs, where provided for by the GDPR. For example, under Article 85(2) GDPR, some German states have established separate SAs for broadcasting companies. In essence, these purposes seek to reconcile the right to the protection of personal data with other rights and freedoms of data subjects.

Furthermore, Article 91(2) GDPR allows for the establishment of separate SAs for religious groups. This provision has also been relied upon in Germany, where SAs are partly incorporated within the Catholic and Protestant churches. While the independence of these 'special' SAs are partly compromised due to their interdependence with other bodies, they are still subject to the same oversight and procedural rules governing public bodies.

Monitoring the application

A supervisory authority's main task is to monitor the correct application of the GDPR. This aim should be understood in line with the wording used by Article 16(2) TFEU and Article 8(3) CFR, which provides that enforcement of the GDPR itself, is something that must be managed by "an independent authority."

In order to

Article 51(1) GDPR specifies that the role of SAs is twofold.[7] The first is to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, and the second is to facilitate the free flow of personal data within the EEA ("Union").

Protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of natural persons in relation to processing

Protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals includes monitoring the application of all elements of the GDPR, not only those relating to data subject rights, SAs' structure, tasks and powers serve this purpose.[8]

In addition, SAs' protectionist function extends to all rights and freedoms guaranteed by the CFR and TFEU.[9] Other laws and regulations are not outside of the SAs' jurisdiction, as to correctly apply the GDPR, SA's must regularly determine provisions of the GDPR while taking into account other laws.

Example: A SA must determine the necessity of processing personal data under applicable tax laws. In this instance, record keeping requirements under other laws become applicable for the purposes of Article 5(1)(e) GDPR when determining the duration for which data must be stored. Any such laws would also be relevant for determining whether the processing is necessary for complying with a legal obligation to which the controller is subject, under Article 6(1)(c) GDPR.

Facilitate the free flow of personal data within the Union

In line with the general objectives of the GDPR, as outlined in Article 1 GDPR, SAs are also required to facilitate the free flow of personal data within the EEA ("Union"), taking into account the requirements of the single market. This requirement necessitates that SAs in the exercise of their powers, may not impose measures that have the capacity to impair or prevent the free flow of data within the EEA, as to do so would be to undermine the objective outlined in Article 1 GDPR.[10]

The aim of this provision should not be understood as an attempt to place the fundamental right to data protection on equal footing with the free flow of personal data within the common market. Instead, the provision should be understood more as an aim to prevent the implementation of national measures relating to data protection, in a manner that would negatively affect the free flow of personal data. Nonetheless, given that the right to data protection is not an absolute right, it is inevitably weighed up against the free flow of personal data through this provision, as it requires that any measures adopted by SAs do not unduly undermine the cross-border flow of data within the EU. Commentators have noted though, that after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, "the centre of gravity in data protection is no longer the free flow of data but rather the protection of fundamental rights."[11] This shift is reflective of a wider trend in the CJEU's case law, in which fundamental rights have begun to take a more dominant position.

However, other Commentators have taken a different reading of Article 51(1) GDPR's reconciliation of the right to data protection and the free flow of data within the internal market. She notes that this provision should be read as establishing a dual objective, in which one aim should not take priority over the other. The right to data protection and the right to free flow of personal data should be taken into account to the same extend and balanced equally.[12]

(2) Consistent application of the GDPR

Shall

The use of the imperative "shall" imposes a positive legal obligation upon SAs to facilitate the consistent application of the GDPR throughout the EEA.[13]

Contribute

The use of the verb “contribute” denotes a form of proactive participation specifically aimed at the “consistent monitoring and enforcement of this Regulation” and, according to Recital 135, the uniform application of the law. Accordingly, SAs are required to identify any problems and act for their prompt resolution. For example, issues could include the inactivity of an SA involved in a collegial decision-making process.

Consistent application

The use of the term "consistent application" mandates that the application and interpretation of GDPR provisions should not differ between Member States' respective SAs. All SAs should have the same understanding of GDPR provisions and interpret and enforce the law in the same vein. The GDPR's predecessor, Directive 95/46/EC ("DPD"), was criticised for its fragmented enforcement of the right to data protection, which differed significantly from Member State to Member States, this was something that the GDPR sought to remedy by legislating for the consistent application of its provisions.

Cooperation

Under the DPD, there was limited cooperation between supervisory authorities, this too was something that the GDPR sought to remedy.[14] Article 51(2) GDPR provides that SAs must cooperate with each other and the Commission, in accordance with Chapter VII of the GDPR. Cooperation is an essential element of SAs' obligations under the GDPR, it is seen as the primary tool for enabling the GDPR's consistent application. Cooperation is a notion which is embedded in the foundations of Union law, through Article 4(3) of the Treaty on the European Union ("TEU"), which imposes a general duty of sincere co-operation. Chapter VII provides rules on cooperation between SAs in cross-border cases, as well as for their participation in the consistency mechanism and the European Data Protection Board, affording SAs responsibilities on a national and European level.

When cooperation takes place with other 'independent' SAs, no conflict arises under treaty law for the purposes of Article 8(3) CFR and Article 16(2) TFEU. However, tensions may arise with the concept of 'independence' when SAs must cooperate with the European Commission, as the Commission is a political body. Consequently, cooperation with the Commission may undermine the independence demanded of SAs, as Article 8(3) CFR and Article 16(2) TFEU require absolute independence.

(3) More than one SA in a Member State

For the purposes of Article 51 GDPR, it is sufficient if a Member State provides for only one SA.[15] However, several SAs may co-exist in the same Member State in accordance with Article 51(3) GDPR. States may appoint multiple SAs in respect of their territorial division of competences or sectorial division of competences. For instance, a State may choose to appoint a SA responsible for controllers from the private sector and another for controllers from the public sector. Article 51(3) GDPR is particularly relevant for Member States with a federal constitutional structure. Germany, for example, consists of 16 Federal States (“Bundesländer”) each with its own SA. Currently the German SAs are represented by the German Federal SA ("BfDI"). Similarly, Spain appoints separate SAs for Catalonia and the Basque Country.

Pursuant to Article 51(3) GDPR, Member States with several SAs must firstly designate which of these authorities represents the Member State in the EDPB,[16] and secondly, should by law establish mechanisms for ensuring the effective participation of its SAs in the consistency mechanism. Member States with multiple SAs should designate which one is to function as representative, responsible for functioning as the contact point for other Member States' SAs, the Board and the Commission.[17]

(4) Notification to the Commission

Member States are obligated to notify the Commission of the measures adopted in the appointment of their SAs and of any subsequent changes to these measures. Non-compliance with these requirements may give rise to the infringement procedure under Article 258 TFEU.

Decisions

→ You can find all related decisions in Category:Article 51 GDPR

References

  1. Hijmans, in Kuner, Bygrave, Docksey, The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): A Commentary, Article 51 GDPR, p. 867 (Oxford University Press 2020).
  2. A comprehensive approach on personal data protection in the European Union', Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, (2010) COM(2010) 609 final (available here).
  3. Hijmans, in Kuner, Bygrave, Docksey, The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): A Commentary, Article 51 GDPR, p. 867 (Oxford University Press 2020).
  4. Hijmans, in Kuner, Bygrave, Docksey, The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): A Commentary, Article 51 GDPR, p. 864-868 (Oxford University Press 2020).
  5. For further analysis on independence, refer to the Commentary onArticle 52 GDPR.
  6. Ziebarth, in Sydow, Marsch DS-GVO/BDSG, Article 51 GDPR, margin number 8 (Nomos 2022).
  7. Schneider, in BeckOK DatenschutzR, Article 51 GDPR, margin number 6 (Beck 2020, 38th edition).
  8. Ziebarth, in Sydow, Marsch DS-GVO/BDSG, Article 51 GDPR, margin number 19 (Nomos 2022).
  9. Polenz, in Simitis, Hornung, Spiecker gen. Döhmann, Datenschutzrecht, Article 51 GDPR, margin numbers 11-13 (Nomos 2019).
  10. Ziebarth, in Sydow, Marsch DS-GVO/BDSG, Article 51 GDPR, margin number 20 (Nomos 2022); see also Kühling, Buchner, Boehm, DS-GVO, Article 51 GDPR, margin number 13 (C.H. Beck 2020).
  11. Hijmans, in Kuner, Bygrave, Docksey, The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): A Commentary, Article 51 GDPR, p. 868 (Oxford University Press 2020).
  12. Boehm in Kühling, Buchner, Article 51 GDPR, margin numbers 12 and 13 (C.H. Beck 2020).
  13. This is an additional obligation to the primary one linked to the application of the GDPR on the territory of one's own member state, reflecting a certain “Europeanisation” of the action of independent authorities. See, Hijmans, in Kuner, Bygrave, Docksey, The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): A Commentary, Article 51 GDPR, p. 869 (Oxford University Press 2020).
  14. Boehm in Kühling, Buchner, Article 51 GDPR, margin number 14 (C.H. Beck 2020).
  15. Ziebarth, in Sydow, Marsch, DS-GVO/BDSG, Article 51 GDPR, margin number 6 (Nomos 2022).
  16. That implies that each member State can only send one representative to the EDPB, as reflected in the Rules of Procedure of the EDPB. See also, Article 4(3) of the EDPB Rules of Procedure (available here).
  17. See also Article 68(4) GDPR.