General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Candlefocus EditorThe GDPR defines “personal data” as any information related to an individual, such as name, address, or IP address. This means that any website or business that collects personal data must comply with the GDPR. Organizations must ensure that they have the right to collect the data, that they process it in a secure manner, and that they inform individuals of how it will be used.
The GDPR also imposes new obligations on companies that make use of individuals’ personal data. For example, companies must give individuals the right to access and delete their personal data, and must provide an explanation for any decision that is based on automated processing. Companies must also notify the national data protection agency within 72 hours if there is a data breach.
In addition, the GDPR requires companies to appoint a data protection officer (DPO) to oversee compliance with the GDPR. The DPO must ensure that the company is adhering to the regulations and should be familiar with the specific mechanisms the company has in place to protect the personal data it collects.
The GDPR has been heralded as a significant step forward in protecting the privacy rights of individuals. Not only does it give individuals more control over their data, but it also holds companies accountable for their actions. Companies found to be in breach of the GDPR can face significant fines of up to 4% of their global turnover or €20 million.
The GDPR is part of a larger trend towards protecting individuals’ personal data. The law has been widely praised for its scope and impact, and is an example of how governments can protect their citizens by taking a proactive approach to regulating data use.