GDPR Court and Study Cases

For anyone pursuing a certification in data protection, particularly the CIPP/E (Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe), having a solid understanding of the GDPR's principles is essential. However, mastering the theoretical aspects alone isn’t enough. Real-world court rulings and study cases provide critical insights into how the GDPR is applied in practice, illustrating the consequences of non-compliance and the nuances of data protection law in real situations. These case studies are invaluable for preparing not just for the exam but also for tackling complex data protection challenges in your career.

Court rulings clarify how GDPR rules are interpreted by the courts, while study cases highlight key data breaches and regulatory actions, providing concrete examples of what can go wrong—and how to prevent it. Exam candidates can expect questions about these cases, even if they’re presented in more general terms, making it essential to study the legal principles and outcomes they demonstrate. By analyzing these cases, candidates gain a deeper understanding of GDPR enforcement, helping them navigate the intricacies of data protection law and its application in professional practice.

Introducing a Comprehensive Study Tool

To support students in their CIPP/E exam preparation, 22Academy has compiled a 53-page booklet that brings together nine essential GDPR court cases and five high-profile study cases in one accessible resource. This booklet saves you the time and effort of researching individual cases, providing you with clear summaries and detailed analyses of key decisions that are important for GDPR compliance.

Each case is thoroughly explained, offering background context, legal questions, and court rulings, along with links to official court decisions and additional resources. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of how the GDPR is enforced or preparing for exam questions that test your knowledge of legal scenarios, this booklet provides the structured, reliable information you need to succeed.

Court Cases Covered in the Booklet

1. Google Spain SL, Google Inc. v. Agencia Española de Protección de Datos, Mario Costeja González (C-131/12)
   The famous "right to be forgotten" case, establishing individuals' rights to request the removal of outdated or irrelevant personal information from search engines.
2. Schrems I (C-362/14)
   Invalidated the Safe Harbor agreement between the EU and the US, ruling it insufficient to safeguard personal data, significantly impacting international data transfers.
3. Wirtschaftsakademie Schleswig-Holstein GmbH (C-210/16)
   Addressed joint responsibility for data processing between Facebook and page administrators, clarifying the shared obligations under GDPR.
4. Facebook Ireland Ltd v. Maximillian Schrems (C-498/16)
   Confirmed that national supervisory authorities can pursue GDPR enforcement even when decisions from other Member States are in place, underscoring GDPR's cross-border enforcement power.
5. Fashion ID (C-40/17)
   Clarified the responsibilities of websites that use third-party social plugins (such as Facebook’s ‘Like’ button), determining joint controller status for data collection.
6. Planet49 (C-673/17)
   Ruled that consent for cookies must be actively given, rather than through pre-ticked boxes, emphasizing the GDPR’s requirement for explicit, informed consent.
7. Schrems II (C-311/18)
   Invalidated the EU-US Privacy Shield, concluding that it failed to adequately protect personal data from US surveillance laws, reshaping cross-border data transfer rules.
8. La Quadrature du Net and Others (C-511/18, C-512/18)
   Examined data retention laws, stressing the need for proportionality and safeguards when processing personal data for national security purposes.
9. UI v Bundesrepublik Deutschland (C-60/22)
   Focused on whether every GDPR violation automatically makes data processing unlawful, offering new insights into the nuances of GDPR violations and consequences.

Study Cases Highlighted in the Booklet

While court cases illustrate the legal interpretations of GDPR, study cases focus on real-world data breaches and regulatory actions. These cases highlight the practical challenges organizations face in securing personal data and complying with GDPR. By examining these incidents, students gain insights into the consequences of inadequate data protection and the strategies used to mitigate breaches. The booklet includes the following five significant study cases.

1. Equifax Data Breach (2017)
   One of the largest data breaches in history, affecting 147 million individuals, this case underscores the critical importance of patch management and timely response to security vulnerabilities.
2. Facebook/Cambridge Analytica Scandal (2018)
   Highlighted the misuse of personal data for political profiling and advertising, bringing issues of consent, transparency, and data misuse to the forefront of GDPR enforcement.
3. British Airways Data Breach (2018)
   Involving a breach that compromised the personal and financial details of over 400,000 customers, this case emphasizes the need for strong security measures and timely incident reporting.
4. Marriott International Data Breach (2018)
   A breach that exposed the personal data of approximately 339 million guests, highlighting the importance of due diligence during acquisitions and ongoing compliance with GDPR security requirements.
5. H&M Employee Surveillance Case (2020)
   Resulted in a significant fine for the illegal and excessive surveillance of employees, demonstrating the importance of transparency, accountability, and lawful processing of personal data.

Streamlining CIPP/E Exam Preparation

As emphasized in the booklet, studying these GDPR court and study cases is crucial for understanding how the regulation is applied in real-world situations. These cases offer insights that are not only valuable for passing the CIPP/E exam but also for developing practical data protection strategies in your professional role. With nine court cases and five study cases collected in one resource, the booklet simplifies your study process by providing key takeaways and practical recommendations on GDPR compliance, from managing data breaches to joint controller obligations.

The booklet is available for €25, and as a special offer for Study Group members, you can enjoy a 25% discount using the code STUDYGROUP25 at checkout. This discount applies to all products on 22academy.com and is always available to help support your exam preparation efforts. Take advantage of this offer and get a valuable resource to boost your readiness for the CIPP/E exam!