GDPR

Definition

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data protection law enacted by the European Union that came into effect on May 25, 2018. It aims to enhance individuals' control over their personal data and to unify data protection regulations across the EU. By establishing clear guidelines on how personal information should be collected, stored, and processed, GDPR emphasizes transparency, accountability, and the rights of individuals in relation to their personal data.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. GDPR applies to all organizations that process the personal data of individuals residing in the EU, regardless of where the organization is located.
2. Under GDPR, individuals have enhanced rights including the right to access their data, the right to rectification, and the right to erasure, often referred to as the 'right to be forgotten.'
3. Organizations must implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data and demonstrate compliance with GDPR principles.
4. Failure to comply with GDPR can result in significant fines of up to €20 million or 4% of annual global turnover, whichever is higher.
5. GDPR encourages organizations to adopt a privacy-by-design approach, meaning data protection measures should be integrated into products and services from the outset.

Review Questions

• How does GDPR enhance individuals' control over their personal data compared to previous regulations?
  • GDPR significantly enhances individuals' control over their personal data by granting them specific rights that were not as clearly defined before. Individuals can now request access to their data, ask for corrections if the information is inaccurate, and even demand deletion of their data under certain conditions. This shift toward greater transparency and empowerment allows individuals to have a more active role in how their personal information is managed.
• In what ways does GDPR hold organizations accountable for data protection violations?
  • GDPR holds organizations accountable for data protection by requiring them to demonstrate compliance through documentation and policies. Organizations must implement adequate security measures and conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments when processing high-risk data. Additionally, they are obligated to report any data breaches within 72 hours. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties, reinforcing the importance of accountability in data handling practices.
• Evaluate the impact of GDPR on international businesses operating in the EU and how they have had to adapt their practices.
  • The impact of GDPR on international businesses operating in the EU has been substantial, forcing them to rethink how they handle personal data. Companies must align their practices with GDPR standards regardless of their location if they target EU residents. This has led many organizations to enhance their data protection frameworks, invest in training for employees on privacy laws, and implement robust systems for data management. As a result, businesses have not only increased compliance costs but also improved trust with consumers who are more aware of their rights regarding personal data.

Related terms

Personal Data: Any information that relates to an identified or identifiable individual, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and online identifiers.

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

Data Breach: An incident where unauthorized access to, or disclosure of, personal data occurs, compromising its confidentiality, integrity, or availability.