GDPR

Definition

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data protection law that came into effect in May 2018, designed to enhance the control individuals have over their personal data and to unify data protection laws across Europe. This regulation sets strict guidelines for the collection, storage, and processing of personal information, reflecting the growing challenges related to data privacy and security in an increasingly digital world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. GDPR applies not only to organizations located in the EU but also to any organization that processes the personal data of EU residents, regardless of where the organization is based.
2. Under GDPR, individuals have enhanced rights regarding their personal data, including the right to access, rectify, erase, and restrict processing of their data.
3. Organizations are required to appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) if their core activities involve large-scale processing of sensitive personal data or regular monitoring of individuals.
4. Non-compliance with GDPR can result in hefty fines of up to €20 million or 4% of the annual global turnover, whichever is higher.
5. GDPR emphasizes the importance of 'privacy by design' and 'privacy by default', meaning organizations must consider data privacy from the outset of any project or process.

Review Questions

• How does GDPR enhance individual control over personal data compared to previous regulations?
  • GDPR enhances individual control by introducing several key rights for data subjects that were not as clearly defined in previous regulations. These include the right to access their data, request rectifications, and demand erasure under certain circumstances. Additionally, GDPR mandates that organizations obtain explicit consent from individuals before processing their personal data, making it easier for individuals to understand and manage how their information is used.
• Discuss the implications of GDPR on organizations operating globally that handle EU residents' data.
  • Organizations operating globally must comply with GDPR when handling the personal data of EU residents, regardless of where they are based. This means that these organizations need to implement robust data protection measures and ensure transparency about how they collect and use personal data. They must also be prepared for potential audits and have procedures in place for reporting data breaches within 72 hours, showcasing the regulation's stringent requirements on international operations.
• Evaluate how GDPR's principles of 'privacy by design' and 'privacy by default' impact the development of new technologies in the digital age.
  • GDPR's principles of 'privacy by design' and 'privacy by default' significantly influence how new technologies are developed by prioritizing user privacy from the outset. Developers are encouraged to integrate data protection features into their products and services rather than treating them as an afterthought. This shift not only fosters trust among users but also compels organizations to innovate responsibly, considering how emerging technologies like AI and big data analytics impact individuals' rights and privacy.

Related terms

Personal Data: Any information relating to an identified or identifiable individual, such as names, addresses, email addresses, and identification numbers.

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

Data Breach: An incident where unauthorized access to or disclosure of personal data occurs, which can lead to risks to individuals' rights and freedoms.