To help promote effective enforcement in the digital world, the EDPS will publish a position paper on the future of cross-regulatory cooperation. Building on its experience with the Digital Clearinghouse (2017-2021), this publication will take stock of relevant developments in the EU regulatory sphere, such as the EU Digital Rulebook and landmark rulings of the EU Court of Justice, as well as new multilateral cooperation structures at national level. Relevant stakeholders will be also involved in the discussion.
Since its 2014 preliminary opinion on privacy and competitiveness in the age of big data, the EDPS has been drawing attention to the many overlaps that are inevitable between the application of data protection, competition and consumer protection rules in an increasingly data-driven economy. In 2017, the EDPS proposed the establishment of a Digital Clearing House as a voluntary network of enforcement bodies to enhance their collaboration, deepen synergies and better safeguard individuals’ rights.
The EDPS continued to pay close attention to the interplay between the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the recently adopted regulations that regulate digital markets, services and technologies (Digital Services Act, Digital Markets Act, Data Governance Act, Data Act, and Artificial Intelligence Act, etc.). In addition to the interaction among substantive provisions of the EU Digital Rulebook, the challenges of divergent governance models present in the various regulations - including via the proliferation of ‘Boards’ of regulators - has been gaining prominence.
With this position paper, the EDPS aims to help shape the debate about the future of digital governance and effective enforcement in the digital world. This publication entitled “Towards a Digital Clearinghouse 2.0” will provide elements that could help address the current governance fragmentation, both at European and national level.
The EDPS plans to involve relevant stakeholders in this important debate. A meeting will be organised to discuss the position paper and the way forward to ensure a coherent approach to regulatory cooperation in Europe’s digital sphere. The outcomes of this meeting will feed a review of the position paper, with a final version expected to be released by the end of the year.