Q1: What is GDPR?
A1: GDPR stands for General Data Protection Regulation. It is a comprehensive data protection regulation that came into effect on May 25, 2018, in the European Union (EU). The regulation is designed to give individuals more control over their personal data and to harmonize data protection laws across the EU.
Q2: Who does GDPR apply to?
A2: GDPR applies to organizations that process the personal data of individuals residing in the European Union, regardless of where the organization itself is located. It applies to both data controllers (organizations that determine the purposes and means of processing personal data) and data processors (organizations that process personal data on behalf of data controllers).
Q3: What is considered personal data under GDPR?
A3: Personal data refers to any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person. This includes, but is not limited to, names, email addresses, identification numbers, location data, and online identifiers.
Q4: What rights do individuals have under GDPR?
A4: GDPR grants individuals several rights, including the right to access their personal data, the right to correct inaccurate information, the right to be forgotten (to have their data erased under certain conditions), the right to restrict processing, the right to data portability, and the right to object to processing.
Q5: What are the obligations for organizations under GDPR?
A5: Organizations must ensure that personal data is processed lawfully, transparently, and for specified purposes. They need to implement measures to ensure the security and confidentiality of the data, conduct impact assessments for high-risk processing activities, appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) in certain cases, and report data breaches to the supervisory authority.
Q6: How does GDPR impact businesses outside the EU?
A6: GDPR has extraterritorial reach, meaning it applies to businesses outside the EU that process the personal data of EU residents. Such businesses are required to comply with GDPR if they offer goods or services to EU residents or monitor their behavior.
Q7: What are the consequences of non-compliance with GDPR?
A7: Non-compliance with GDPR can result in significant fines. Organizations can be fined up to 4% of their global annual revenue or €20 million, whichever is higher, for the most serious infringements.
Q8: How can organizations ensure GDPR compliance?
A8: Organizations can ensure GDPR compliance by implementing privacy by design and default, conducting regular risk assessments, appointing a DPO if required, obtaining clear and informed consent for data processing, and maintaining documentation of data processing activities.
It's important to note that this information is intended as a general overview, and specific legal advice should be sought for compliance with GDPR.
