NGO meaning

EDPB report on DPA activity between 2018 and 2023 Strict GDPR enforcement only on paper When the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) took effect in 2018, it signalled a new chapter for EU privacy protection — at least in theory. Individuals were armed with means to defend their fundamental rights, while regulators gained robust investigatory tools and the power to punish infringements with substantial penalties. Nearly seven years on, the picture is far gloomier. Marking Data Protection Day on 28 January 2025, noyb reviewed the latest EDPB figures on the (in)activity of national data protection authorities (DPAs). The numbers reveal that, on average, only 1.3% of complaints handled by DPAs culminate in a fine. Yet data protection professionals consistently note that penalties are the most effective lever for driving companies to follow the law. Back in May 2018, the GDPR promised a decisive move towards rigorous enforcement. Europeans harmed by privacy breaches received clear avenues to lodge complaints with their national DPAs — bodies ostensibly equipped to...

Coimisiún na Meán’s Investigations Team On 12 November 2025, Coimisiún na Meán’s Investigations Team opened a formal investigation into the provider of the X online platform (X) under the EU DSA. The probe will determine whether X has infringed Article 20 of the DSA. It follows concerns raised by Coimisiún na Meán’s Platform Supervision Team about X’s compliance with Article 20, reinforced by information supplied by the NGO HateAid and a user complaint. The investigation will examine: whether individuals can appeal X’s decisions not to remove content when they report material they believe breaches X’s terms of service whether reporters are properly told the outcome of a report and advised of their right to appeal the decision whether X operates an internal complaints-handling mechanism that is easy to access and user friendly...

R (on the application of Good Law Project Ltd and another) v Prime Minister and another [2022] EWHC 298 (Admin) Standing addresses who is entitled to initiate a claim in judicial review and, across successive administrations, it has been regarded as ‘ripe for review’ for a considerable period. In 2013, the government issued a consultation on reforming judicial review, proposing a tighter approach to standing that would demand a more immediate and concrete interest in the subject of the challenge. In July 2020, the government convened an independent panel to examine a range of substantive and procedural changes, with standing among the topics considered. After the judgment in GLP and Runnymede Trust, standing is poised to move from a rarely contested or discussed point within judicial review proceedings to one that may often take centre-stage in public interest cases. The ruling is therefore highly significant for government, business, and—crucially—NGOs and other interest groups that rely on judicial review. Standing in judicial review proceedings—the ‘sufficient interest’ test To...

Supplier audits are an effective way to spot modern slavery and human trafficking harms within your supply chain. This Practice Note outlines the features of a robust modern slavery and human trafficking supplier audit and offers guidance on who should carry out audits, how to get ready for and undertake an audit, and the steps for follow-up afterwards too. Who should conduct the audit? Whether you rely on in-house auditors, an independent consultancy, a local NGO, or a blend of these, the auditor or audit team must be trained specialists with deep understanding of risk factors. They need the skills to detect and probe labour violations and to recognise signs of forced labour, often in demanding settings, including particularly complex environments...

Initial KPIs Objectives Boost awareness of modern slavery risks within our supply chain. Ensure high‑risk suppliers hold robust plans to respond to identified modern slavery or human trafficking incidents. Ensure all new suppliers are aware of, and meet, [ insert organisation name ]’s minimum labour standards. Action steps Identify suitable training workshops for suppliers, with all [ Tier 1 and 2 ] suppliers required by [ date ] to either certify attendance at a training session, or provide evidence of equivalent alternative training completed. Undertake worker feedback sessions during in‑person supplier audits. In partnership with [ insert, eg name of local NGO ], design a response plan and scenario/testing exercise, with all high‑risk suppliers to have undertaken the exercise by [ date ]. Develop a code of conduct on labour practices by [ date ]. Indicators The % of Tier 1 and 2...