Opinion: By imposing a rigid interpretation of the GDPR, Europe is turning its back on the promise of blockchain

In our opinion piece “By imposing a rigid interpretation of the GDPR, Europe is abandoning the promise of blockchain,” we respond to Guidelines 02/2025 published by the EDPB on the application of the GDPR to blockchains.

While reaffirming our commitment to the protection of personal data, we express serious concern: the requirements set forth in the text—prohibition of on-chain data, strict erasure obligations, expanded liability in decentralized networks, and systematic treatment as international transfers—risk rendering many blockchain projects in Europe inoperable, even when they are designed to enhance transparency, security, and the protection of rights.

If applied without nuance, this interpretation would jeopardize fundamental use cases such as decentralized identity, traceability, integrity certification, and open finance. Above all, it would threaten the balance between technological innovation and the protection of individual freedoms that the GDPR specifically seeks to ensure.

In this opinion piece, ADAN calls for a more pragmatic approach based on actual risks, as well as recognition of the tools already being used by Web3 stakeholders to protect data. Far from being incompatible with European requirements, blockchain can serve as a tool to advance rights.