The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has been in force since 25 May 2018 and applies to all EU member states. Its goal is to harmonise data protection rules and give citizens greater control over their personal data.
In which countries does the GDPR apply?
The GDPR is legally binding in all 27 EU member states:
Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Czech Republic, Hungary, Cyprus.
The GDPR also affects companies outside the EU if they process data of EU citizens or offer services within the EU.
Why was the GDPR introduced?
- Harmonisation: Uniform data protection standards across the EU.
- Transparency: Citizens must know which data is collected about them.
- Control: More rights for users, e.g. access, deletion, data portability.
- Security: Companies must implement appropriate technical and organisational measures.
Who benefits from the GDPR?
The GDPR primarily protects individual rights:
- Consumers have greater control over their personal data.
- Improved transparency regarding data processing.
- Reduced risk of misuse and unauthorised access.
Companies also benefit:
- Clear rules reduce legal risks.
- Increased customer trust through secure data practices.
- Unified standards facilitate international cooperation.
Conclusion
The GDPR is mandatory in all EU member states and affects companies worldwide when handling EU citizens' data. It strengthens privacy, increases transparency and builds trust in digital services.
Further Resources
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