GDPR Fines in 2025: What We’re Seeing So Far & How to Avoid Becoming a Headline

Introduction to GDPR Fines in 2025

In 2025, GDPR enforcement is ramping up across Europe. Regulators are handing out significant fines—not only to Big Tech, but also to everyday businesses.

Retailers, SaaS providers, and service companies have all been penalised for issues like poor cookie consent, unclear privacy notices, or delayed DSAR responses.

In this article, you’ll learn what went wrong, what regulators are watching, and what you can do to stay out of trouble.

Real GDPR Fines in 2025: What You Should Know

Here are recent GDPR enforcement actions. These aren’t just high-profile tech cases—they reflect issues faced by businesses of all sizes.

🔹 Amazon: €746 Million Fine Upheld

Amazon lost its appeal against a record fine issued by Luxembourg’s CNPD. The case focused on ad targeting practices that lacked transparency and consent.

• Lesson: Cookie banners and consent flows must be clear, granular, and easy to reject.

🔹 Meta: Legal Settlement with UK Citizen

Meta agreed to stop targeting a UK user with ads, after a legal complaint. While not a formal fine, it signals a shift in regulatory expectations.

• Lesson: Users must have a real option to opt out of behavioural ads.

🔹 Clearview AI: U.S. Class Action Settlement

Clearview AI settled over its unauthorised use of facial recognition data—including data from EU residents.

• Lesson: Biometric data requires clear consent and robust security.

🔹 E-commerce Site: €50,000 for Inadequate Cookie Banners

A European retailer used a cookie banner that nudged users to accept all cookies. The banner lacked a visible “Reject” button.

• Lesson: Consent must be freely given, and users must have equal options.

🔹 Healthcare Provider: €75,000 for Poor Privacy Notices

A regional healthcare provider failed to explain how patient data was shared beyond core services.

• Lesson: Privacy notices must be clear, accessible, and complete.

🔹 Financial Services Firm: €60,000 for Mishandling DSARs

This firm failed to respond to access requests within one month. The issue was repeated and systematic.

• Lesson: You need a clear, logged process for managing DSARs.

🔹 Marketing Agency: €90,000 for Unlawful Data Sharing

Data was shared with third-party advertisers without user consent or clear disclosure.

• Lesson: You must get proper consent before sharing personal data.

🔹 Cloud Provider: €80,000 for Missing DPAs

The company processed personal data for clients without proper Data Processing Agreements in place.

• Lesson: Every processor relationship must have a signed, compliant DPA.

Enforcement Patterns Companies Must Monitor

• Cookie banners that mislead or manipulate consent
• Vague or outdated privacy notices
• Ignored or delayed responses to DSARs
• Sharing personal data with vendors without legal grounds
• Failing to notify breaches properly or in time

Top GDPR Risk Areas to Address in 2025

1. Consent Management

• Don’t rely on cookie walls or bundled consent
• Give users a visible, equal “Reject All” option

2. Third-Party Data Sharing

• Review adtech, analytics, and cloud vendors
• Sign and document DPAs and SCCs

3. DSAR Mishandling

• Set up a DSAR workflow
• Track and log each request

4. Insecure International Transfers

• Use SCCs or approved safeguards
• Evaluate vendors located outside the EU

5. Weak Documentation and Governance

• Keep your privacy records up to date
• Regulators expect proof—not promises

✅ Checklist: How to Avoid GDPR Fines in 2025

• Review and update your privacy policy — Make sure it’s clear, accessible, and aligned with your actual practices
• Use a compliant, user-friendly cookie banner — Include “Reject All” and “Manage Preferences” options
• Draft or review DPAs and SCCs with all vendors — Especially those handling personal data or operating internationally
• Document your lawful bases for processing — Don’t rely on “legitimate interest” without a proper LIA
• Respond to DSARs within 30 days (with logs) — Track, redact, and reply in a structured, secure way
• Conduct a DPIA for high-risk processing — Especially for AI, profiling, biometrics, or large-scale data handling
• Keep a Record of Processing Activities (ROPA) — Regulators expect this documentation on request
• Train staff regularly on privacy responsibilities — Awareness reduces mistakes and improves culture
• Monitor regulatory updates across all operating regions — Laws and expectations are evolving quickly

✅ How DPO & Privacy Support Helps You Stay Compliant

At DPO & Privacy Support, we help businesses proactively fix the same issues that led to actual GDPR fines in 2025:

• 🍪 Non-compliant cookie banners?
  We audit and redesign cookie banners to ensure they offer true choice — no dark patterns, no vague consent.
• 📄 Outdated or unclear privacy notices?
  We draft clear, lawful, and user-friendly privacy notices that meet regulator expectations across the UK and EU.
  👉 Review or update your privacy notice →
• 📬 Struggling with DSARs?
  We build practical DSAR workflows and train your team to handle them quickly and lawfully.
  👉 Need DSAR help? Talk to us →
• 🔗 Sharing data with vendors or adtech tools?
  We help you secure proper consent and create transparent, documented data sharing practices.
  👉 Get vendor privacy contracts reviewed →
• 🤝 No DPA in place with processors?
  We draft and review GDPR-compliant Data Processing Agreements and Standard Contractual Clauses.
  👉 Let us handle your DPAs and SCCs →
• 👤 Need ongoing expert support?
  Our DPO-as-a-Service gives you expert guidance, audit support, and documentation — without hiring full-time.
  👉 Explore our DPO support plans →