GDPR

Definition

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data protection law in the European Union that governs how personal data of individuals in the EU can be collected, stored, and processed. It aims to enhance privacy rights and protect personal information, placing significant obligations on organizations to ensure data security and compliance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. GDPR came into effect on May 25, 2018, marking a significant change in data protection legislation across Europe.
2. Organizations that fail to comply with GDPR can face hefty fines of up to €20 million or 4% of their annual global revenue, whichever is higher.
3. GDPR emphasizes the principle of 'data minimization,' which means that only the necessary data for a specific purpose should be collected and processed.
4. The regulation includes provisions for the 'right to be forgotten,' allowing individuals to request the deletion of their personal data under certain circumstances.
5. GDPR mandates that organizations implement 'privacy by design' and 'privacy by default,' ensuring that privacy measures are integrated into their operations from the start.

Review Questions

• How does GDPR influence the management of personal data and information privacy within organizations?
  • GDPR significantly impacts how organizations handle personal data by imposing strict regulations that require transparency and accountability. Organizations must obtain explicit consent from individuals before collecting their data and must clearly communicate how that data will be used. Additionally, GDPR obligates organizations to implement appropriate security measures to protect personal information and ensure that data breaches are reported within a specific timeframe.
• What are some security measures required under GDPR to protect personal data from breaches?
  • Under GDPR, organizations are required to adopt robust security measures to safeguard personal data. This includes conducting regular risk assessments, implementing encryption to protect sensitive information, and ensuring access controls are in place. In the event of a data breach, GDPR mandates that organizations notify both the affected individuals and relevant authorities within 72 hours of discovering the breach.
• Evaluate the implications of GDPR for cross-border data flows in a globalized digital economy.
  • GDPR has significant implications for cross-border data flows as it requires that any transfer of personal data outside the EU must adhere to its stringent protections. Organizations must ensure that the destination country provides an adequate level of data protection comparable to GDPR standards. This requirement impacts international businesses by necessitating compliance efforts and creating barriers for companies that do not meet these regulations. As a result, GDPR influences global practices around data privacy and fosters a more uniform approach to personal data protection worldwide.

Related terms

Personal Data:

Any information that relates to an identified or identifiable individual, such as names, identification numbers, location data, or online identifiers.

Data Processing: Any operation or set of operations performed on personal data, including collection, storage, modification, retrieval, and dissemination.

Data Subject Rights:

The rights granted to individuals under GDPR concerning their personal data, including access, rectification, erasure, and data portability.