Think your data is anonymous? The EDPB is not so sure — new guidelines explained
On 7 July 2026, the EDPB published its new draft Guidelines 02/2026 on Anonymisation. At first glance, it may look like a technical update; a refresh of the 2014 Article 29 Working Party Opinion, with new terminology and updated assessment criteria. Look more closely, and a considerably more significant shift emerges. Since the 2014 Opinion, there have been major changes in the legal, privacy, engineering and technological landscapes, including the development of CJEU case law, the establishment of EU-wide data spaces, and developments in AI and technology in general. All of which raised the need to update the previous guidance. The Guidelines are open for public consultation until 30 October 2026. They are worth reading carefully.