The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a regulation that aims to protect the personal data of individuals within the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). It was implemented on May 25, 2018, and has had a significant impact on businesses worldwide.
What is Personal Data?
Personal data refers to any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person. This can include:
- Name: This includes both first and last names.
- Email Address: Any email address that identifies an individual.
- Phone Number: Including mobile, landline, or fax numbers.
- Address: Such as home address or business address.
- Date of Birth: The day, month, and year an individual was born.
- National Identification Numbers: Social security numbers or other government-issued identification numbers.
Sensitive Personal Data
In addition to personal data, GDPR also protects sensitive personal data. This type of data requires even higher levels of protection due to its nature. Sensitive personal data includes but is not limited to:
- Racial or Ethnic Origin: Information about an individual’s race, ethnicity, or nationality.
- Political Opinions: Including an individual’s political beliefs or affiliations.
- Religious or Philosophical Beliefs: Information about an individual’s religious beliefs or philosophical views.
- Health Data: Any information related to an individual’s physical or mental health.
- Biometric Data: Including fingerprints, DNA samples, or facial recognition data.
- Sexual Orientation: Information about an individual’s sexual preferences or orientation.
Data Subject Rights
GDPR grants individuals certain rights regarding their personal data. These rights include:
- The Right to be Informed: Individuals have the right to know how their personal data will be used and processed.
- The Right of Access: Individuals can request access to their personal data that is being held by an organization.
- The Right to Rectification: Individuals can request corrections or updates to their personal data if it is inaccurate or incomplete.
- The Right to Erasure: Also known as the “Right to be Forgotten,” individuals can request the deletion of their personal data under certain circumstances.
- The Right to Restrict Processing: Individuals can request the restriction of processing of their personal data under certain circumstances.
- The Right to Data Portability: Individuals have the right to receive a copy of their personal data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.
In Conclusion
GDRP protects various types of personal and sensitive data, ensuring that individuals have control over how their information is used and processed. By understanding what type of data is protected and the rights granted under GDPR, organizations can ensure compliance and build trust with their customers and clients.