Be the first to comment!New European Union data protection rules take effect from tomorrow
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As from tomorrow, new European Union data protection rules take effect, which will mean that citizens will have better control over their personal data; one set of rules across the EU will guarantee certainty for companies and stronger enforcement through fines.
These data protection rules strengthen citizens’ rights and simplify rules for companies in the digital age
In a statement the European Parliament Committees, said that the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), adopted in April 2016, will apply fully as of Friday.
The new rules aim to protect all EU citizens from privacy and data breaches in an increasingly data-driven world, while creating a clearer and more consistent framework for businesses.
New rights for citizens include: a citizen has to give their “clear and affirmative consent” for their data to be processed; the right to receive clear and understandable information about who is processing the data, what data and why;the right to be forgotten: a citizen can ask for his/her data to be deleted; the right to transfer data to another service provider (e.g. when switching from one social network to another) and the right to know when data has been hacked.
The EP Committees said that the new rules apply to all companies operating in the EU, even if these companies are based outside of the EU.
It added that “furthermore, it will be possible to impose corrective measures, such as warnings and orders, or fines on firms that are breaking the new rules.”
The EP noted that the maximum ceiling for fines in the most serious infringement cases is 4 % of the company’s total worldwide annual turnover.
The General Data Protection Regulation will replace the EU data protection directive, which dates back to 1995.
The GDPR was adopted in April 2016 as part of a wide-ranging reform package, which also includes a directive on data processing for law enforcement purposes.
The EP Committees also said that a set of new rules on e-Privacy is also currently being considered.
