General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a legal framework established by the European Union (EU) to regulate the collection, processing, and storage of personal data. It came into effect on May 25, 2018, and applies to all organizations that handle personal data of individuals within the EU, regardless of where the organization is based.

GDPR aims to strengthen individuals’ rights over their personal data while ensuring that businesses and organizations process data transparently, securely, and lawfully. Key principles of GDPR include lawfulness, fairness, and transparency, purpose limitation, data minimization, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity and confidentiality, and accountability. Organizations must have a clear legal basis for processing personal data, such as user consent, contractual necessity, or legitimate interest.

One of the most significant aspects of GDPR is the enhanced rights of individuals, including the right to access their data, the right to rectification, the right to erasure (also known as the “right to be forgotten”), and the right to data portability. Organizations must also implement appropriate security measures and report data breaches within 72 hours.

Overall, GDPR has set a global standard for data protection, influencing privacy laws beyond the EU and promoting greater accountability in handling personal data.