Behind the acronym of GDPR lies a regulation that has become essential in the age of all-digitality. The GDPR is the legal framework surrounding the sensitive issue of protecting the personal data of European citizens.
Today, there is an ever-increasing need to establish a legal framework capable of clarifying and harmonizing the use of European citizens’ personal data and giving them the means to dispose of their digital identity – and this need gave rise to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
GDPR stands for “General Data Protection Regulation” – It’s the reference text for protecting personal data at the level of the European Union.
This set of rules replaces a previous text dating back to 1995, which had some drawbacks – notably because it left too much room for interpretation, was not very restrictive, and the European Union has since changed its face to 28 member countries.
The new regulation, consisting of 99 articles, and published in the European Union Official Journal on 4 May 2016, but this time gives a stricter framework and a date for a concrete application. All organizations (public or private) based in the European Union or located outside the EU but managing the personal data of European residents must comply with the GDPR as of 25 May 2018.
Any organization based in an EU country will have to apply the provisions of the GDPR: companies and trade unions, associations, administrations, and local authorities. Including those based outside the EU’s borders that collect, store, and use data specific to residents of a member country.
These organizations will have to protect all personal data in their possession. Beyond information about prospects and customers, this also includes data collected about the organization itself, its employees, customers and suppliers, partners…
The GDPR is broad in scope, since all data are concerned, even if the information collected does not allow direct identification of the source. All data that transits on physical media (computers, mobile devices, servers) or through electronic exchanges (mailing, tracing of Internet users) will have to be protected under the new European regulations.
The GDPR establishes a harmonized legal framework for all EU Member States.
Compliance with the GDPR is a complex subject, the implementation of which will require time and significant changes in companies.
However, as of 25 May 2018, companies must prove that they comply with the provisions of the GDPR – and in particular, the significant changes in traceability and mapping of personal data processing that result from the new data protection rules. Beyond these two provisions, all aspects of data security must be taken into account by companies with a view to compliance. This means that priority projects such as:
Failure to comply could result in financial penalties of up to 4% of annual worldwide revenues (or up to 20 million euros!) This is a reason to take the bull by the horns and start today with the mechanics of adapting the company to the new requirements of the GDPR.
Thhe GDPR represents a significant step forward in the protection of personal data within the European Union, reflecting the urgent need to address the challenges of the digital age. By establishing a robust and harmonized legal framework, the GDPR ensures that organizations handling the personal data of EU citizens adhere to stringent standards of transparency, consent, and security.
Compliance with these regulations not only safeguards individuals’ privacy rights but also fosters trust and accountability among businesses. As companies adapt to these new requirements, the emphasis on data protection by design and the appointment of Data Protection Officers will become pivotal in maintaining compliance and avoiding severe financial penalties.
Ultimately, the GDPR underscores the importance of responsible data management in an increasingly interconnected world, encouraging organizations to prioritize and respect the privacy of their users.
