In 2024, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) fines issued across Europe amounted to €1.2 billion ($1.26 billion), marking a 33% decrease compared to €2.9 billion ($3.1 billion) in 2023, and this significant reduction represents the first annual decline since GDPR’s inception in May 2018. This decrease is mainly due to the absence of a single large fine such as the €1.2 billion penalty imposed on Meta in May 2023 for transferring personal data to the US using standard contractual clauses (SCCs). However, experts caution that this reduction does not indicate a decline in data protection enforcement in the EU.
Rigorous Focus on Data Protection Enforcement
Despite the lower fines in 2024, the focus on data protection enforcement remains rigorous. Ross McKean, Partner and Chair of DLA Piper’s UK Data Protection and Cyber Practice, highlighted that the reduced figures should not be misinterpreted as a downturn in regulatory activity. McKean emphasized that European data regulators continue to strictly enforce data protection laws.
The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) continues to lead in enforcement, with a cumulative total of €3.5 billion ($3.7 billion) in fines since 2018, significantly surpassing the Luxembourg Data Protection Authority, the next highest regulator. This underscores the robust enforcement landscape within Europe, contributing to the overall total of €5.88 billion ($6.17 billion) in reported fines since GDPR took effect.
Major Fines Targeting Big Tech
In 2024, big tech and social media companies remained major targets for substantial fines. Notable penalties included a €310 million ($326 million) fine by the Irish DPC against LinkedIn in October for its handling of personal data in advertising practices. Additionally, the Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) imposed a €290 million ($324 million) fine on Uber in August for storing driver data in the US without adequate safeguards. Meta faced another significant penalty with a €251 million ($263 million) fine by the Irish DPC in December for a data breach affecting around 29 million Facebook accounts in 2018.
Moreover, enforcement actions extended into other sectors such as financial services and energy. An example of this broader reach includes the Spanish Data Protection Authority issuing two fines totaling €6.2 million ($6.5 million) against CaixaBank for failing to implement robust security measures.
Emerging Trend: Personal Liability
A noteworthy emerging trend in 2024 is the shift towards personal liability in data protection enforcement actions. This is best exemplified by the Dutch Data Protection Commission investigating the possibility of holding the directors of Clearview AI personally liable for multiple GDPR breaches, following a €30.5 million ($32.03 million) fine against the company. McKean observed that 2024 marked the beginning of significant focus on individual accountability, with projections for 2025 indicating even greater attention on personal liability and public naming to foster compliance.
Persistent Emphasis on Data Protection
In 2024, the total General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) fines levied across Europe amounted to €1.2 billion ($1.26 billion). This figure represents a significant 33% decline from the €2.9 billion ($3.1 billion) amassed in fines in 2023. Notably, this drop marks the first annual decrease since GDPR’s implementation in May 2018. The primary reason for this decline is the absence of any single large fine, like the massive €1.2 billion penalty imposed on Meta in May 2023 for transferring personal data to the United States using standard contractual clauses (SCCs). While this reduction in fines may seem like a relaxation of data protection enforcement within the European Union, experts emphasize that this is not the case. Authorities remain vigilant and committed to safeguarding personal data. The year 2023 was exceptional with the Meta fine skewing the numbers, hence 2024’s lower total shouldn’t be interpreted as a sign of diminishing regulatory rigor or enforcement efforts by the EU regarding data protection regulations.