Which entity is responsible for enforcing GDPR compliance in the EU?

The enforcement of GDPR compliance in the EU is primarily the responsibility of Data Protection Authorities (DPAs). Each EU member state has its own DPA, which is tasked with overseeing and ensuring adherence to data protection laws at the national level. DPAs have various powers, including conducting investigations, imposing fines, and providing guidance to organizations regarding compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The role of the DPAs is crucial because they act as the frontline watchdogs for data privacy rights, handling complaints from individuals about potential violations and overseeing how organizations process personal data. This decentralized approach allows for localized enforcement that can adapt to the specific legal and cultural contexts of each member state.

In contrast, the European Court of Justice primarily deals with cases related to EU law and ensures that the law is interpreted and applied uniformly across the EU, but it does not enforce GDPR directly. The European Commission plays a role in proposing legislation and offering guidance but lacks direct enforcement authority over GDPR compliance. National governments support the DPAs' laws and frameworks but are not the immediate enforcers of the GDPR within their jurisdictions.