The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is the primary legal framework of the European Union for the protection of personal data of natural persons. In effect since May 2018, the GDPR significantly strengthened the rights of individuals regarding their privacy and introduced strict obligations for all organizations – both public and private – that process data within the EU or relate to EU citizens.
The Regulation focuses on principles such as legality, transparency, purpose limitation, and data minimization. It also requires documented data protection policies, the implementation of appropriate technical and organizational security measures, and the obligation to report breaches within specified timeframes. Compliance with the GDPR is not limited to legal documents but requires the substantive integration of data protection practices into the everyday operations of an organization.
The implementation of the GDPR is not only an obligation but also an opportunity to build trust with clients, partners, and citizens. Through compliance, organizations enhance transparency, protect their reputation, and prepare for an ever-evolving digital world where privacy is recognized as a fundamental right.