European Data Protection Board (EDPB)

An independent EU body composed of representatives from each member state's data protection authority, the European Data Protection Supervisor, and the European Commission (without voting rights). The EDPB ensures consistent GDPR application across the EU. It issues guidelines interpreting GDPR provisions, provides opinions on data protection authority decisions through the consistency mechanism, advises the European Commission on data protection matters, promotes cooperation between supervisory authorities, and handles disputes between authorities. EDPB guidelines are authoritative interpretations that courts and organizations rely upon for understanding GDPR requirements. Major EDPB guidance has addressed topics like consent, legitimate interests, data transfers, transparency, data protection by design, and data breach notification. While not legally binding in the same way as GDPR itself, EDPB guidance strongly influences interpretation and enforcement. Organizations should monitor EDPB publications to understand current regulatory thinking.