The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has initiated its 2026 Coordinated Enforcement Framework (CEF) action, signaling a heightened focus on how organizations comply with transparency and information obligations under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This initiative, which commenced on March 19, 2026, involves 25 data protection authorities across Europe. According to reporting from Gibson Dunn and Aphaia, the authorities will be examining how companies inform individuals about the processing of their personal data, moving beyond previous actions on data access and erasure to target the practical effectiveness of transparency measures. Organizations can expect to be contacted through enforcement actions or fact-finding exercises as DPAs assess compliance with Articles 12, 13, and 14 of the GDPR, which mandate clear and accessible information for individuals. The findings from these national actions will be consolidated and reported at the European level in the latter half of 2026, aiming to provide a clearer picture of compliance across various sectors.
The intensified scrutiny on transparency obligations is a critical development for businesses operating within the EU. As highlighted by Aphaia, companies must revisit their privacy notices, indirect data collection practices, and the overall clarity and accessibility of the information provided to individuals. This coordinated action underscores a broader regulatory trend towards empowering individuals with greater control over their personal data. For businesses, this means a renewed emphasis on ensuring that privacy policies are not just legally compliant but also easily understandable and readily available to users. Failure to adapt could lead to increased regulatory engagement and potential enforcement actions as data protection authorities seek to ensure genuine transparency in data processing. The move also reflects a maturing regulatory landscape where the GDPR's principles are being applied with greater practical force, impacting how companies engage with their customers on data privacy matters.