GDPR

Definition

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data protection law enacted by the European Union in May 2018, aimed at enhancing individuals' control over their personal data. It establishes strict guidelines for how organizations must collect, process, and store personal information, ensuring transparency and accountability in data handling practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. GDPR applies to any organization that processes the personal data of EU citizens, regardless of where the organization is based.
2. Organizations must appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) if their core activities involve large-scale processing of sensitive data.
3. Individuals have rights under GDPR, including the right to access their data, rectify inaccuracies, and request deletion of their personal information.
4. Failure to comply with GDPR can result in hefty fines, up to 4% of an organization's annual global turnover or €20 million, whichever is greater.
5. GDPR emphasizes 'privacy by design,' meaning that data protection measures should be integrated into the development of business processes and systems from the outset.

Review Questions

• How does GDPR enhance individuals' control over their personal data?
  • GDPR enhances individuals' control over their personal data by providing them with specific rights regarding their information. Individuals can access their data, request corrections, and demand deletion under certain circumstances. This level of control ensures that individuals have a say in how their data is used and allows them to make informed choices about their privacy.
• Discuss the implications of GDPR for organizations that collect and process personal data.
  • GDPR imposes significant obligations on organizations that collect and process personal data, requiring them to adopt transparent practices and secure individuals' consent. Organizations must clearly inform users about how their data will be used and ensure they can withdraw consent easily. Additionally, they need to implement robust security measures and establish procedures for reporting any data breaches within 72 hours to comply with regulations.
• Evaluate the potential impact of GDPR on global data privacy standards and practices.
  • The implementation of GDPR has set a high benchmark for data privacy standards worldwide, prompting many countries to reconsider their own privacy laws. As organizations operating globally need to comply with GDPR when dealing with EU citizens, this has encouraged a trend towards stricter privacy regulations even outside Europe. The heightened focus on individual rights and accountability has led to increased awareness among consumers about data privacy, influencing both public policy and corporate practices on a global scale.

Related terms

Data Subject: An individual whose personal data is being processed or collected by an organization under the GDPR.

Consent:

A key principle under GDPR, where individuals must provide clear and affirmative consent for their data to be processed.

Data Breach:

An incident where personal data is accessed or disclosed without authorization, which GDPR requires organizations to report within 72 hours.