CNIL Cracks Down on Data Protection Violations in 2024 With Record Fines & Compliance Orders

Key Takeaways

• Record-Breaking Enforcement: In 2024, the CNIL issued 331 corrective measures, including 87 sanctions totaling €55.2 million in fines, marking a significant increase from previous years and signaling a continued ramp-up in GDPR enforcement.
• Focus on Commercial Prospecting and Health Data: The CNIL cracked down on improper handling of personal data, especially in commercial prospecting and health data, reminding companies of their obligations to obtain proper consent and anonymize sensitive information.
• Expansion of Simplified Sanction Procedures: The CNIL’s simplified sanction procedure grew in 2024, issuing 69 sanctions through this quicker process, reflecting its commitment to rapid enforcement of GDPR violations.
• Intensified Compliance Orders: With 180 compliance orders, the CNIL focused not only on penalizing violations but also on guiding organizations back into compliance, particularly in sectors like healthcare where patient data security was a major concern.

Deep Dive

2024 was a year of growing momentum for the French National Commission on Informatics and Liberty (CNIL), as the watchdog took significant steps to ensure that businesses comply with data protection laws. With fines, compliance orders, and reprimands on the rise, the CNIL made it clear that GDPR violations would no longer go unchecked. The result? A year of record-breaking action in data privacy enforcement.

In 2024, the CNIL handed down 331 corrective measures, a sharp increase from previous years. Among these decisions were 87 sanctions totaling a staggering €55.2 million in fines. The volume of compliance orders and reprimands also surged, with 180 compliance orders and 64 reprimands issued. It was, in short, a year of action.

What stands out in these numbers isn’t just the total sum of fines, but the dramatic rise in the number of sanctions. From just 21 sanctions in 2022 to 42 in 2023, the CNIL doubled its enforcement efforts, issuing 87 sanctions in 2024 alone. For organizations navigating GDPR, this trend signals that the CNIL isn’t slowing down – it’s just getting started.

The CNIL’s sanctions came in all shapes and sizes in 2024. While some organizations faced hefty fines, others were penalized for issues like failing to comply with data access requests or neglecting to protect personal data properly.

The €55.2 million in penalties wasn’t just about numbers—it reflected real-world problems that businesses need to take seriously. A significant focus was placed on commercial prospecting. The CNIL reminded companies that using personal data collected by third parties, such as data brokers or partners, isn’t a free pass. If that data wasn’t collected with the proper consent, those businesses could face hefty fines.

Another pressing issue was the use of health data. The CNIL cracked down on organizations that failed to anonymize health data properly, reminding them that even pseudonymized data could still be traced back to individuals. It wasn’t just about technicalities; it was about protecting people’s sensitive information.

More Action, Less Waiting

In 2024, the CNIL expanded its simplified sanction procedure, issuing 69 sanctions through this faster process. This quickened approach almost tripled the number of sanctions handed down through this method compared to 2023, reflecting the CNIL’s commitment to keeping businesses on their toes.

Common issues included failure to cooperate with the CNIL’s investigations, which led to 27 sanctions. Another major problem area was the exercise of individual rights—especially the right to access, delete, or oppose the processing of personal data. Companies that ignored these requests found themselves on the receiving end of sanctions.

Data security was also a top priority. In 2024, 11 organizations were sanctioned for weak data protection measures, from easily cracked passwords to outdated encryption. For businesses, it was a stark reminder that securing data isn’t just an afterthought; it’s an ongoing responsibility.

Stepping Up the Pressure

The CNIL didn’t just issue fines; it also focused heavily on ensuring that organizations complied with GDPR through 180 compliance orders. This wasn’t just about enforcing the rules—it was about guiding organizations back on track.

Healthcare organizations were among the most affected by these compliance orders, with the CNIL demanding that digital patient records be better protected and accessible only to those with a legitimate need to know. It wasn’t just about keeping hackers out. It was about ensuring that patient information stayed private, even within medical institutions.

Additionally, many businesses received compliance orders for failing to respond to individuals’ data access requests. Ifsomeone asks to see, delete, or change their data, companies must comply in a timely and transparent manner.

Collaboration Across Borders

As the CNIL’s work expands, so too does its role on the European stage. In 2024, the French watchdog collaborated with its counterparts across Europe in 7 decisions, addressing cross-border data issues. And the CNIL also reviewed 12 draft decisions from other European regulators that involved people living in France, showing how closely connected Europe’s data protection bodies have become.

2024 was just the beginning. As the CNIL increases its enforcement efforts and expands its reach across Europe, businesses must take a hard look at their data protection practices. Whether through hefty fines or compliance orders, the CNIL’s actions in 2024 were a wake-up call to organizations that data protection is a serious matter—and it’s only going to get more rigorous.

For businesses operating in France, 2025 will likely bring even more scrutiny. The best way to avoid the spotlight? Be proactive about data protection, respect individuals' rights, and keep privacy at the forefront of your operations. Because when it comes to GDPR compliance, there’s no such thing as too careful.

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