Who Enforces GDPR?

GDPR is enforced by independent Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) in each EU/EEA member state.

DPAs are responsible for:

• Investigating complaints

• Conducting audits

• Issuing fines and penalties for non-compliance

• Advising organizations on GDPR compliance

• Cooperating with other DPAs for cross-border enforcement

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) promotes consistent application of GDPR across the EU/EEA and facilitates cooperation between DPAs.

For global organizations, staying compliant requires consistent governance and monitoring across all jurisdictions where personal data is processed.

Integrating GDPR enforcement readiness with programs like ISO 27001 and SOC 2 supports a more unified privacy and security posture.