GDPR

Definition

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data protection law in the European Union that was enforced on May 25, 2018. It aims to give individuals more control over their personal data and to create a more unified framework for data protection across Europe. The GDPR mandates strict guidelines for the collection, storage, and processing of personal information, making it essential for organizations, especially those involved in online and mobile data collection, to comply with its requirements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. GDPR applies to any organization that processes the personal data of individuals residing in the EU, regardless of where the organization itself is located.
2. Individuals have several rights under the GDPR, including the right to access their data, the right to be forgotten, and the right to data portability.
3. Organizations must obtain explicit consent from individuals before collecting their personal data, and they must provide clear information on how that data will be used.
4. Non-compliance with GDPR can result in hefty fines of up to €20 million or 4% of a company's global annual turnover, whichever is higher.
5. GDPR encourages organizations to implement 'privacy by design,' meaning they should consider data protection measures from the outset when developing new products or services.

Review Questions

• How does GDPR empower individuals in terms of their personal data?
  • GDPR empowers individuals by granting them several rights regarding their personal data. For example, individuals have the right to access their data held by organizations and can request corrections if the information is inaccurate. They also have the right to request deletion of their data, known as the 'right to be forgotten,' allowing them to take control over their personal information and its use.
• Discuss the implications of GDPR on online and mobile data collection techniques.
  • GDPR significantly impacts online and mobile data collection techniques by requiring organizations to ensure transparency and obtain explicit consent from users before gathering personal information. This means businesses must revise their data collection practices to comply with GDPR rules, such as providing clear privacy policies and enabling users to easily opt-in or opt-out of data collection processes. Failure to adhere to these regulations can lead to severe penalties and loss of consumer trust.
• Evaluate how compliance with GDPR can affect an organization's reputation and customer relationships.
  • Compliance with GDPR can greatly enhance an organization's reputation and strengthen customer relationships by demonstrating a commitment to protecting personal information. When customers see that an organization takes privacy seriously and adheres to stringent regulations, they are more likely to trust it with their data. This trust can lead to increased customer loyalty and a competitive advantage in a marketplace where consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about privacy issues.

Related terms

Personal Data: Any information related to an identified or identifiable individual, such as names, email addresses, and IP addresses.

Data Subject: An individual whose personal data is collected, stored, or processed by an organization.

Data Breach: An incident where unauthorized access to personal data occurs, leading to potential harm to data subjects.