GDPR Policy

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data protection law that came into effect on May 25, 2018, in the European Union (EU). It aims to enhance individuals' control and rights over their personal data while simplifying the regulatory environment for international business by unifying the regulation within the EU.

GDPR applies to any organization that processes personal data of individuals residing in the EU, regardless of the organization's location. This means that even non-EU companies must comply if they handle the personal data of EU citizens. The regulation covers various aspects of data protection, including the collection, storage, processing, and sharing of personal data.

One of the key principles of GDPR is the requirement for organizations to obtain explicit consent from individuals before processing their personal data. This consent must be clear, informed, and unambiguous, allowing individuals to understand what they are consenting to. According to GDPR, consent can be withdrawn at any time, and organizations must provide a straightforward method for individuals to do so.

GDPR also emphasizes the importance of data minimization, which means that organizations should only collect personal data that is necessary for the specific purposes for which it is processed. This principle not only protects individuals' privacy but also reduces the risk of data breaches by limiting the amount of sensitive information held by organizations.

Furthermore, GDPR mandates that organizations implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure a level of security appropriate to the risk. This includes protecting personal data against unauthorized access, loss, or destruction. Organizations are also required to report data breaches to the relevant supervisory authority within 72 hours of becoming aware of the breach, unless the breach is unlikely to result in a risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals.

Individuals have several rights under GDPR, including the right to access their personal data, the right to rectification, the right to erasure (also known as the right to be forgotten), and the right to data portability. These rights empower individuals to have greater control over their personal information and how it is used by organizations.

In summary, GDPR represents a significant shift in data protection regulations, placing greater responsibility on organizations to protect personal data and uphold individuals' rights. Compliance with GDPR not only helps organizations avoid substantial fines—up to 4% of annual global turnover or €20 million, whichever is greater—but also fosters trust and transparency with customers and stakeholders.