Data Protection and Competition Law: Synergies and Cooperation

This episode covers a recent paper from the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) that examines the interplay between data protection and competition law within the EU. It highlights the increasing importance of personal data in business models and argues for greater cooperation between data protection and competition authorities to ensure coherent and effective regulation. The paper analyses how concepts in both legal fields interrelate, using the Meta v Bundeskartellamt case as a key example, and proposes ways to improve cooperation between authorities, including establishing dedicated teams and developing mutual understanding of regulatory frameworks. The EDPB stresses that such cooperation is sometimes mandatory under EU law and beneficial for both individuals and businesses. Ultimately, the paper advocates for a more synergistic approach to ensure the effective protection of individuals and the proper functioning of competitive markets.