Which factor is NOT considered when determining an adequate level of data protection?

When evaluating the adequacy of a country’s data protection measures, a variety of factors are taken into account to ensure that data subjects' rights are effectively safeguarded. Among these factors, aspects like enforceable data subject rights, the role of independent supervisory authorities, and international commitments regarding data protection reflect a country's commitment to upholding privacy standards.

The existence of administrative penalties, while an important component of a comprehensive data protection framework, does not directly measure the adequacy of data protection itself. Instead, it pertains to the enforcement mechanisms that may be in place to ensure compliance with data protection regulations rather than the substantive protections available to individuals. Thus, while administrative penalties can contribute to the overall compliance landscape, they are not used as a core factor when assessing whether a particular country offers an adequate level of data protection comparable to standards like those found within the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).