General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Definition

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data protection law in the European Union that came into effect on May 25, 2018. It aims to enhance individuals' control over their personal data and establish a framework for data protection across the EU, emphasizing privacy, consent, and the ethical handling of personal information by organizations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. GDPR applies not only to organizations based in the EU but also to those outside the EU that process the personal data of EU residents.
2. It imposes strict penalties for non-compliance, with fines reaching up to €20 million or 4% of a company's global annual revenue, whichever is higher.
3. Under GDPR, individuals have enhanced rights regarding their data, including the right to access, rectify, erase, and restrict processing of their personal information.
4. Organizations must implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure data protection by design and by default.
5. GDPR mandates that data breaches must be reported to authorities within 72 hours if they pose a risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals.

Review Questions

• How does GDPR enhance individuals' control over their personal data?
  • GDPR enhances individuals' control over their personal data by granting them several rights that allow them to manage how their information is processed. Individuals have the right to access their data, request corrections, delete their information, and restrict its processing. Additionally, consent must be explicitly given for any data processing activities, ensuring that individuals are actively involved in decisions regarding their personal information.
• Discuss the implications of GDPR for organizations that handle personal data.
  • GDPR has significant implications for organizations that handle personal data as it requires them to adopt strict compliance measures and be transparent about their data practices. Organizations must conduct regular audits to ensure they are properly managing and securing personal data while also having a clear process for obtaining consent from users. The regulation also necessitates appointing Data Protection Officers (DPOs) in certain situations and implementing strategies for immediate response in case of data breaches.
• Evaluate how GDPR has influenced global standards for data protection beyond the European Union.
  • GDPR has had a profound influence on global standards for data protection by serving as a benchmark for other countries and regions developing similar laws. Many jurisdictions have adopted principles from GDPR to enhance their own data privacy frameworks, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of protecting personal information in an increasingly digital world. This ripple effect has led to a more unified approach to data protection internationally, as companies operating globally must adapt their practices to comply with stricter regulations across different regions.

Related terms

Personal Data: Any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person, which can include names, email addresses, and IP addresses.

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

Consent: A clear and affirmative agreement from the data subject for processing their personal data, which must be specific, informed, and revocable.