// Level 3 · Controls
Chapter 6: Independent supervisory authorities
Independent supervisory authorities
Art. 51Medium
Supervisory authority
Each Member State must establish independent supervisory authorities.
Art. 52Medium
Independence
Supervisory authorities must act with complete independence.
Art. 53Medium
General conditions for the members of the supervisory authority
Members appointed via transparent procedure; qualifications, term, duties.
Art. 54Medium
Rules on the establishment of the supervisory authority
Member State law governs establishment, qualifications, conditions of office.
Art. 55Medium
Competence
Each authority competent within its Member State territory.
Art. 56Medium
Competence of the lead supervisory authority
Lead authority for cross-border processing identified by main establishment.
Art. 57Medium
Tasks
Tasks include monitoring/enforcing GDPR, awareness, advice, complaints handling, investigations.
Art. 58Medium
Powers
Investigative, corrective, authorisation/advisory powers including issuing fines and bans.
Art. 59Medium
Activity reports
Annual public activity reports submitted to parliament/government and Commission/EDPB.