EDPB Adopts Scientific Research Guidelines, Approves Europrivacy Seal
Summary
The European Data Protection Board adopted Guidelines on processing personal data for scientific research purposes and created a dedicated team to accelerate finalization of anonymization guidelines. The Board also adopted two opinions on Europrivacy certification criteria, including one approved as a European Data Protection Seal for international data transfers. The guidelines aim to help researchers navigate GDPR compliance while protecting individuals' fundamental rights.
“Scientific research can drive societal progress and improve our daily lives.”
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GovPing monitors Malta IDPC Homepage for new data privacy & cybersecurity regulatory changes. Every update since tracking began is archived, classified, and available as free RSS or email alerts — 3 changes logged to date.
What changed
The EDPB formally adopted Guidelines on processing personal data for scientific research purposes and established a dedicated team to expedite anonymization guidelines. The Board also approved Europrivacy certification criteria as a European Data Protection Seal, including one usable as a transfer tool under GDPR.
Organizations conducting scientific research involving personal data and entities seeking certification for international data transfers should review these developments for compliance implications. Researchers will benefit from clearer GDPR navigation guidance once finalized.
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Apr 23, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
EDPB brings clarity to data processing for scientific research, speeds up the finalisation of the anonymisation guidelines and approves first European data protection seal as a tool for transfers
EDPB brings clarity to data processing for scientific research, speeds up the finalisation of the anonymisation guidelines and approves first European data protection seal as a tool for transfers
16 April 2026
During its latest plenary, the EDPB has adopted Guidelines on processing of personal data for scientific research purposes. In addition, the Board has created a team to speed up the finalisation of the guidelines on anonymisation. The EDPB has also adopted two opinions on the two sets of the Europrivacy certification criteria for approval as European Data Protection Seals, one of which to be used as a tool for transfers.
Many areas of scientific research rely on the processing of individuals’ personal data, and this has driven significant scientific breakthroughs that benefit society. The rise of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, also contributes to scientific progress by enabling researchers to use and analyse data in innovative ways.
The main objective of the EDPB guidelines on scientific research is to provide more clarity for researchers and make GDPR compliance easier, while ensuring the protection of individuals’ fundamental rights.
“Scientific research can drive societal progress and improve our daily lives. Our guidelines facilitate innovative research by helping researchers to navigate the GDPR.
The EDPB is committed to supporting the scientific community and unlocking the full potential of scientific research in the EU while upholding data protection rights," said the EDPB Chair, Anu Talus.
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