The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) governs the processing of personal data of individuals located within the European Economic Area (EEA). It also applies to organizations located outside the EEA if they offer goods or services to, or monitor the behavior of, individuals in the EEA. Consider a company based in the United States that sells products online to customers in France. This company would be subject to GDPR regulations regarding the French customers’ data. Similarly, a social media platform headquartered outside the EEA, but used by individuals within the EEA, falls under the jurisdiction of the GDPR.
This regulation offers significant protections to individuals, granting them greater control over their personal information. This includes rights to access, rectify, and erase their data, as well as the right to restrict processing and data portability. Enacted in 2016 and becoming enforceable in 2018, the GDPR aimed to unify data privacy laws across Europe and enhance individual rights in the digital age. Its implementation has significantly impacted how organizations worldwide handle personal data, driving greater accountability and transparency in data processing practices.
Continue reading “GDPR Compliance: Who's Affected? (Checklist)”
