General Data Protection Regulation
Fast track (Summarised definition)
European Union privacy regulation establishing comprehensive data protection requirements for businesses processing personal data, influencing global privacy standards whilst requiring explicit consent, data protection measures, and individual privacy rights.
Full lap (Full definition)
The General Data Protection Regulation, commonly abbreviated as GDPR, represents European Union privacy legislation that establishes comprehensive data protection requirements for businesses processing personal data of EU residents, influencing global privacy standards whilst requiring explicit consent mechanisms, robust data protection measures, and individual privacy rights.The importance of GDPR extends beyond European compliance to encompass global privacy influence, business practice transformation, and consumer trust building. GDPR has established worldwide privacy expectations whilst requiring businesses to implement comprehensive data protection practices that benefit consumers globally.
GDPR requirements include lawful basis establishment, explicit consent mechanisms, data minimisation practices, privacy by design implementation, breach notification procedures, and individual rights provision that create comprehensive privacy protection frameworks for personal data processing and business operations.
GDPR rights include access, rectification, erasure, portability, objection, and automated decision-making protection that empower individuals whilst requiring businesses to implement systems and processes that support these rights effectively and efficiently across all data processing activities.
GDPR compliance involves privacy impact assessments, consent management, data mapping, staff training, and ongoing monitoring that ensure effective privacy protection whilst maintaining business operations and demonstrating accountability for data protection practices and regulatory adherence.
GDPR penalties include substantial financial fines up to 4% of global annual revenue, highlighting the regulation's enforcement power whilst emphasising the importance of comprehensive compliance programs and responsible data protection practices across all business operations.
For businesses processing EU resident data or operating globally, GDPR compliance proves essential for market access and privacy leadership. Strategic GDPR implementation enables international business operations, enhanced customer trust, and competitive advantage through comprehensive privacy protection that exceeds minimum requirements whilst demonstrating commitment to individual privacy rights and responsible data practices.