What is the primary function of a Data Protection Authority (DPA)?

The primary function of a Data Protection Authority (DPA) is to investigate breaches and ensure legal compliance. DPAs are independent public authorities established to oversee the enforcement of data protection laws and regulations. Their responsibilities typically include monitoring the application of data protection legislation, handling complaints from individuals about data handling practices, conducting investigations into potential violations, and ensuring that organizations comply with data protection obligations.

This function is crucial as it helps protect the rights of individuals regarding their personal data and promotes accountability among organizations that process that data. By having the authority to investigate breaches, DPAs can proactively address issues and enforce compliance, thereby upholding privacy standards and fostering trust within the data ecosystem.

The other options, while related to data protection, do not capture the primary role of a DPA as effectively. Creating new data protection laws is typically the function of legislators, whereas managing data subjects' rights and facilitating data sharing, while important aspects of data protection, fall under broader responsibilities that include, but are not limited to, the investigative and compliance oversight authority that a DPA primarily holds.