The General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) are a new set of data rules. They came into effect in May 2018 and lay down the law regarding when and how organisations collect and use your personal data. This could be information like your name, email address, location, shopping habits and even relationship status.
GDPR is a piece of European law. For this reason:
- Organisations and businesses within the European Union have to follow these data-processing rules.
- Any organisation targeting its services at individuals living in the EU also have to follow GDPR rules — even if they aren’t in Europe.
GDPR gives customers more control over their personal data. Since GDPR came into force, companies have to be transparent and honest about how they use this information and what for.
As an individual, GDPR strengthens your personal data and privacy rights. It lets you see what information an organisation holds on you and better control how they use it.