EU

🚨 NEW EDPB-EDPS Joint Opinion on SME Record-Keeping Simplification On 9 July 2025, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) and the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) released their Joint Opinion 01/2025 on the proposed regulation to simplify record-keeping obligations for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small mid-cap companies (SMCs). 🎯 Key Highlights: Extended threshold: The proposal would raise the employee threshold from 250 to 750 employees for record-keeping exemptions under Art. 30(5) GDPR Broader scope: SMCs (small mid-cap companies) would also benefit from simplified obligations Risk-based approach maintained: High-risk processing activities would still require full compliance regardless of company size Administrative burden reduction: Aims to provide greater flexibility for smaller organizations while maintaining data protection standards 💡 EDPB-EDPS Position: The authorities express preliminary support for this targeted simplification initiative, welcoming the risk-based approach that ensures fundamental rights protection remains intact. However, they’ve requested further clarification on the new 750-employee threshold and recommend better alignment with the newly introduced SME/SMC definitions. ...

The European Commission Launches Public Consultations on the Future of EU Data Legislation Brussels, 9 July 2025 – The European Commission announced today that it has officially launched a set of public consultations aimed at evaluating and shaping the next phase of the European Union’s data legislative framework. The initiative focuses on three cornerstone instruments of the EU data strategy: Regulation on the Free Flow of Non-Personal Data Open Data Directive (ODD) Data Governance Act (DGA) These legislative acts have been fundamental in enabling data-driven innovation, enhancing the reuse of public sector information, and promoting trust and interoperability in data sharing across Member States. However, as the digital ecosystem evolves rapidly, the Commission is now seeking updated, evidence-based input from stakeholders to assess how these instruments are functioning and where improvements or recalibrations may be needed. ...