FAQ About Understanding the Basics of Cybersecurity

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data protection law that was enacted by the European Union (EU) in 2016 and went into effect in May 2018. The GDPR replaces the EU Data Protection Directive and strengthens data protection laws across the EU, with the goal of enhancing individuals' control over their personal data and simplifying the regulatory environment for international business by unifying the regulation of data protection across the EU.

The GDPR applies to all organizations that process the personal data of EU residents, regardless of where the organization is located. It includes stringent requirements for obtaining consent to collect and use personal data, as well as provisions for data breach notification and data subject access rights. Under the GDPR, individuals have the right to request access to their personal data, request that their data be erased, and object to the processing of their data under certain circumstances.

Organizations that fail to comply with the GDPR can face significant fines and legal consequences, including penalties of up to 4% of their annual global revenue or €20 million, whichever is greater. As a result, compliance with the GDPR has become a top priority for organizations worldwide that handle personal data of EU residents.