A comprehensive EU data protection law effective since May 25, 2018, designed to empower individuals with greater control over their personal data. This regulation applies globally to any organization processing EU residents’ data.

Core Principles

Consent Management:
Organizations must secure explicit, informed consent for data collection and processing activities, with clear opt-in mechanisms and easy withdrawal options.

Individual Data Rights:
EU residents retain rights to access, correct, delete, and transfer their personal information, plus the right to restrict or object to specific processing activities

Transparency Requirements:
Entities must provide detailed, accessible explanations of data collection purposes, processing methods, and third-party sharing practices

Security Mandates:
Implementation of robust technical and administrative safeguards to protect personal data against unauthorized access or breaches

Breach Protocol:
Strict 72-hour notification window to both supervisory authorities and affected individuals following data breach discovery

Compliance Accountability:
Organizations must maintain thorough documentation of all data processing operations and demonstrate adherence through regular audits

Enforcement Consequences:
Non-compliance penalties scale to €20 million or 4% of annual global revenue (whichever exceeds), with additional reputational risks

Implementation Framework:
While no formal certification exists, organizations establish compliance through:

• Comprehensive data mapping and inventory

• Privacy Impact Assessments for high-risk processing

• Designation of Data Protection Officers where required

• Continuous staff training and policy updates

• Regular compliance audits and gap remediation