GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) — IT Glossary | ITU Online IT Training
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GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)

Commonly used in Security / Cybersecurity

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The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive legal framework established by the European Union to protect the privacy and personal data of individuals within the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA). It sets out strict rules on how organisations collect, process, store, and share personal data, aiming to enhance individuals' control over their own information.

How It Works

GDPR applies to any organisation that processes the personal data of individuals located within the EU or EEA, regardless of where the organisation itself is based. It mandates that organisations implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure data security and privacy. Key principles include data minimisation, purpose limitation, accuracy, storage limitation, and accountability. The regulation also introduces specific rights for individuals, such as the right to access their data, rectify inaccuracies, erase data, and object to processing. Additionally, GDPR requires organisations to obtain clear consent before collecting personal data and to notify authorities and affected individuals of data breaches within specified timeframes.

Common Use Cases

  • Implementing privacy policies that comply with GDPR for websites and applications.
  • Processing employee or customer personal data within the EU or EEA.
  • Transferring personal data outside the EU/EEA while ensuring compliance with data transfer rules.
  • Responding to data subject access requests for personal data held by an organisation.
  • Conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) for new projects involving personal data processing.

Why It Matters

GDPR is a critical regulation for IT professionals and organisations that handle personal data, as non-compliance can result in hefty fines and damage to reputation. It has shifted the landscape of data protection, making privacy a core consideration in system design, data management, and security practices. Certification candidates and IT practitioners involved in data governance, security, or compliance need a solid understanding of GDPR requirements to ensure their organisations meet legal obligations and protect individuals' privacy rights effectively.

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