The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) has launched the call for applications for its "2026 Data Protection Awards," aimed at rewarding initiatives that promote the right to data protection.
These awards, open to individuals, projects, public bodies, and companies, recognize commitment to spreading this fundamental right across various sectors. The deadline for submitting applications is set for October 15, 2026. The awards are divided into nine distinct categories, each with specific criteria and endowments. Emphasis is placed on areas such as the application of the proactive accountability established by the GDPR, risk management related to disruptive technologies, protection of vulnerable groups, and public awareness.

The "Pure and Applied Sciences Research 'Ángela Ruiz Robles'" award will reward scientific or technological work with a prize of 3,000 euros and a possible runner-up prize of 1,500 euros. It favors projects studying the application of data protection principles in processes or systems, especially those related to disruptive technologies or high-risk processing.

The category "Data Protection for Vulnerable Groups and Against Digital Violence" is endowed with 3,000 euros (1,500 euros for the runner-up) for a natural person or private entity, and an honorary mention for a public entity. It aims to recognize innovative projects with a strong social impact for the protection of vulnerable people in the digital environment.

The "Communication" award, amounting to 3,000 euros, is intended for journalistic works broadcast between October 16, 2025, and October 15, 2026, which have significantly contributed to the promotion of data protection, particularly on topics related to innovative technologies and AEPD initiatives.

The category "Training, Education, and Awareness on Data Protection" rewards privacy awareness initiatives. It is divided into two sections, "Teaching" and "Citizenship," each endowed with a prize of 3,000 euros and a runner-up prize of 1,500 euros, for projects developed during the 2025-2026 school year or the year 2026.

The "Good Practices in Regulatory Compliance and Social Responsibility" award will grant an honorary mention in two categories (private sector and public sector) to reward proactivity and the integration of ethical mechanisms in personal data processing.

The "Legal Research 'Emilio Aced'" award, endowed with 3,000 euros and a runner-up prize of 1,500 euros, is intended for high-quality legal research work carried out in Spain or Ibero-America, contributing to the development of knowledge in data protection.

The category "Dissemination of the Fundamental Right to Data Protection on Social Networks" will reward with 3,000 euros (and a runner-up prize of 1,500 euros) social media profiles that have distinguished themselves by their commitment to promoting this right.

The "Data Protection Officer's Work" award aims to recognize innovative projects carried out by DPOs. It has two sections, private sector and public sector, each endowed with a prize of 3,000 euros and a runner-up prize of 1,500 euros.

Finally, the "Privacy and Data Protection in Ibero-America" award, amounting to 3,000 euros with a runner-up prize of 1,500 euros, aims to recognize and promote scientific, technical, and institutional cooperation in the Ibero-American space.