General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Definition

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a European Union regulation that aims to ensure the protection of personal data within the EU and to harmonise the free movement of data within the internal market.

Background

The GDPR came into force on May 25, 2018 and replaces the former Data Protection Directive 95/46/EC. It was developed to strengthen data protection in an increasingly digital world and give citizens more control over their personal data. The regulation applies to all companies that process personal data of EU citizens, regardless of where the company is based.

Areas of application

The GDPR affects a wide range of areas, including:

• Companies that collect and process customer data
• Healthcare providers who manage patient data
• Financial institutions that store their clients' financial data
• Online services and platforms that collect user data

Benefits

Key benefits of GDPR include:

• Increased visibility and control for individuals over their personal information
• Strengthening the rights of data subjects, including the right to information, correction and deletion of data
• Harmonization of data protection laws within the EU, which helps companies comply with uniform standards

Challenges

Companies face several challenges when implementing the GDPR:

• The need to review and adapt existing data processing processes
• Implementation of technical and organizational measures to protect personal data
• Training employees on the requirements of the GDPR
• Dealing with potential data breaches and reporting them within 72 hours

Examples

‍A specific example of the application of the GDPR is a B2B merchant portal, which must ensure that the data of its customers and partners is processed and protected in accordance with data protection guidelines. This includes measures such as encrypting data, regularly reviewing security protocols, and implementing a clear process for data requests and deletions.

Summary

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) represents an important milestone in data protection law by strengthening and harmonising the protection of personal data in the EU. Organizations must take comprehensive measures to meet requirements, which entails both challenges and benefits.