General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Definition

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data protection law in the European Union that went into effect on May 25, 2018. It aims to enhance individuals' control over their personal data and simplify the regulatory environment for international business by unifying data protection regulations across the EU. GDPR has significant implications for how personal data is collected, processed, and stored, especially in the realm of advertising and journalism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. GDPR requires businesses to obtain explicit consent from individuals before collecting or processing their personal data.
2. The regulation imposes strict penalties for non-compliance, with fines reaching up to 4% of a company's global annual revenue or €20 million, whichever is greater.
3. Under GDPR, individuals have the right to access their personal data, request corrections, and demand deletion under certain circumstances.
4. GDPR applies not only to organizations within the EU but also to any entity that processes the personal data of EU residents, making it a global standard.
5. Transparency is a core principle of GDPR, requiring organizations to clearly inform individuals about how their data will be used and stored.

Review Questions

• How does GDPR influence ethical considerations in social media advertising?
  • GDPR significantly impacts ethical considerations in social media advertising by enforcing stricter guidelines on consent and data usage. Advertisers must obtain clear and informed consent from users before collecting their personal data for targeted marketing. This requirement fosters transparency and accountability, ensuring that users are aware of how their data will be utilized and allowing them to make informed decisions about their privacy.
• In what ways does GDPR affect international media laws concerning social media journalism?
  • GDPR affects international media laws by establishing a unified framework for data protection that influences how journalists handle personal information. It requires media organizations to adhere to strict guidelines on obtaining consent for using personal data in reporting. This regulation not only protects individuals' privacy rights but also shapes the journalistic practices globally, as non-EU organizations that process EU citizens' data must comply with GDPR requirements.
• Evaluate the broader implications of GDPR for both businesses and consumers in the digital age.
  • GDPR has far-reaching implications for businesses and consumers alike in the digital age. For businesses, it mandates compliance with stringent data protection rules, which can lead to increased operational costs but also fosters trust among consumers. For consumers, GDPR enhances personal privacy and control over their own data, empowering them with rights such as access, correction, and erasure. This dynamic creates a more transparent digital landscape where consumers can engage with businesses confidently, knowing their data is protected.

Related terms

Personal Data: Any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person, such as names, addresses, and online identifiers.

Data Subject: An individual whose personal data is processed by a controller or processor under GDPR.

Data Breach: A security incident where unauthorized access to or disclosure of personal data occurs, leading to potential harm to individuals.