European data protection authorities have begun a new coordinated enforcement action to examine how organisations communicate the use of personal data to individuals. The initiative, led by the European Data Protection Board (EDPB), will focus on transparency obligations under the General Data Protection Regulation.
The action forms part of the EDPB’s Coordinated Enforcement Framework (CEF) 2026, designed to strengthen cooperation between national regulators and ensure consistent application of EU data protection rules.
Europe-Wide Review of GDPR Transparency
Under this initiative, 25 national data protection authorities across Europe will review how organisations inform individuals about the processing of their personal data. The inspections will examine whether companies clearly explain:
- What personal data they collect
- Why the data is processed
- How long the data is stored
- Who receives or shares the data
- What rights individuals have under GDPR
Authorities may conduct formal investigations, audits, and fact-finding exercises across multiple sectors, including digital services, e-commerce, technology companies, and data-driven businesses.
Transparency is one of the core principles of GDPR, requiring organisations to provide clear, accessible, and understandable privacy information to users.
Cooperation Between EU Data Protection Authorities
The initiative is coordinated by the European Data Protection Board, which brings together national regulators from EU and EEA countries. These authorities will exchange their findings later in 2026 to create a comprehensive overview of compliance levels across Europe.
The final outcome will include:
- A consolidated EU report on transparency practices
- Identification of common compliance gaps
- Recommendations for regulatory or enforcement actions
The results may also guide future investigations, policy updates, and enforcement priorities across the EU.
Continued Focus on GDPR Compliance
The Coordinated Enforcement Framework is an important tool used by the EDPB to strengthen GDPR enforcement through joint actions.
Previous coordinated enforcement initiatives have examined:
- Cloud service providers and data transfers
- The role and independence of data protection officers (DPOs)
- The right of access to personal data
- The right to erasure (“right to be forgotten”)
By focusing on transparency in 2026, regulators aim to ensure that individuals fully understand how their data is collected, used, and protected.
Why Transparency Matters for Businesses
Under the General Data Protection Regulation, organisations must provide clear privacy notices and data processing information to individuals. Failure to meet these requirements can result in investigations, enforcement measures, and significant financial penalties.
Companies operating in or selling to the EU market should ensure that:
- Privacy policies are clear, transparent, and easily accessible
- Data processing purposes are properly documented
- Individuals are informed about their rights under GDPR
- Data controllers maintain strong compliance documentation
As regulators intensify enforcement activities, businesses should review their data transparency practices to reduce compliance risks.
How Complico Consulting GmbH Supports GDPR Compliance
Complico Consulting GmbH supports international companies and online sellers with EU regulatory compliance, data protection guidance, and product compliance services.
Our experts help organisations:
- Review and improve GDPR transparency and privacy notices
- Implement data protection compliance frameworks
- Conduct GDPR readiness and risk assessments
- Prepare documentation for EU regulatory audits
With increasing enforcement across Europe, proactive compliance is essential for companies handling personal data in the EU market.
Conclusion
The new GDPR transparency sweep launched by the European Data Protection Board signals a stronger focus on clear communication about personal data processing. As authorities across Europe begin their inspections in 2026, organisations should review their privacy practices to ensure they meet the strict transparency standards required by the General Data Protection Regulation.
Businesses that act early to strengthen compliance will be better prepared for regulatory scrutiny and will build greater trust with customers in the European digital economy.
Sources
- European Data Protection Board – CEF 2026 Transparency Initiative
- European Data Protection Board – Coordinated Enforcement Framework Topic for 2026
- DataGuidance – EU EDPB Launches CEF on Transparency and Information
- GDPRBuzz – EDPB 2026 Coordinated Enforcement Framework
- ICT Legal Consulting – Preparing for the 2026 Transparency Enforcement Action
