Open letter: The EU must safeguard the independence of data protection authorities

An open letter signed by EDRi and 40 civil society organizations is calling on the European Commission to investigate the independence of Ireland's new Data Protection Commissioner (DPC). This demand highlights growing concerns about the potential for conflicts of interest and the need to maintain the integrity of data protection enforcement within the European Union. The letter stresses the critical role of independent regulatory bodies in upholding digital rights. The appointment in question has sparked controversy due to the new DPC's prior employment in a senior public affairs role at Meta. This background creates a potential conflict of interest, raising questions about the commissioner's ability to impartially oversee data protection matters concerning Meta and other technology companies. Ensuring the DPC's impartiality is crucial for the effective implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The situation affects anyone whose personal data is processed within the EU. Weakening the independence of data protection authorities could undermine public trust in the GDPR and the overall enforcement of digital rights. The EU's commitment to data protection, and its digital sovereignty goals, hinge on ensuring that regulatory bodies can operate without undue influence from the companies they are tasked with overseeing.