Representatives of supervisory authorities from five countries discussed new digital challenges in Ljubljana

Representatives of supervisory authorities at the meeting adopted a joint statement highlighting the challenges they face related to their resources, increasing complaints, and the complexity of cases. With many new powers assigned to data protection authorities by digital regulations, especially the AI Regulation, there is a clear need for additional IT expertise, while available financial resources pose a challenge. Data protection authorities commit to strengthening their cooperation and effective enforcement through a proposal to establish a shared platform for IT experts exchange at the EU level. Such a platform would facilitate the exchange of IT professionals employed by data protection authorities, who could collaborate contractually with authorities in other member states when additional IT expertise is needed. Any narrowing of the definition of 'personal data' could significantly weaken the protection of individuals in the EU and EEA and would not contribute to legal certainty. Data protection authorities support efforts to simplify, for example, in relation to reporting personal data breach cases, but any changes leading to less legal clarity and increased burden for data controllers and processors should be avoided.