Overview

This article requires controllers, processors, and their representatives to cooperate with supervisory authorities upon request. Organizations must assist authorities in performing their tasks to ensure GDPR compliance, including providing information and facilitating investigations or audits.


Key Principles

  • Collaboration: Organizations must actively cooperate with supervisory authorities.

  • Transparency: Provide accurate and complete information to assist regulatory oversight.

  • Accountability: Demonstrate compliance through timely and effective cooperation.

  • Responsiveness: Respond promptly to inquiries, investigations, or audits.

Organizational Applicability

This article applies to all organizations processing personal data within the EU:

  • Controllers managing personal data of EU/EEA data subjects.

  • Processors conducting data processing on behalf of controllers.

  • Non-EU entities with appointed EU representatives.

  • Teams responsible for compliance, legal affairs, and data governance.

Implementation Requirements

  • Establish procedures for responding to requests from supervisory authorities.

  • Maintain records and documentation to support regulatory inquiries.

  • Ensure staff and representatives understand obligations to cooperate with authorities.

  • Coordinate internally and with processors to provide required information.

Implementation Guidance

  • Assign a point of contact for supervisory authority interactions.

  • Prepare a standard process for receiving, verifying, and responding to inquiries.

  • Train staff on cooperation procedures and obligations under GDPR.

  • Periodically review internal procedures to ensure effective support for authorities.

Periodic Review

  • Frequency: Annually or upon changes in supervisory authority requirements.

  • Responsible Role: Data Protection Officer (DPO), Compliance Team, or Legal Counsel.

  • Outcome: Ensure all cooperation obligations are fulfilled, and regulatory expectations are met.

Non-Compliance Risks

  • Fines: Up to €20 million or 4% of global annual turnover.

  • Legal Exposure: Enforcement actions, penalties, or additional audits.

  • Reputational Damage: Loss of trust with regulators, data subjects, and partners.

  • Operational Risk: Delays or failures in responding to supervisory authorities can increase compliance risk.