Compare The Revised General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR

Compare The Revised General Data Protection Regulation Gdpr To Europ

Compare The Revised General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to European Union (EU) laws related to personal data protection, regardless of who collects it or how it is processed. Discuss the differences between Data Technology and Information Technology and why we seem to be transitioning to the latter. Chances are, you have received several correspondences from content providers who have updated their privacy policies to comply with the GDPR. Briefly discuss some of the changes that have been implemented to comply with the GDPR.

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The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), enacted by the European Union in 2016 and enforced from 2018, represents a comprehensive legal framework aimed at safeguarding personal data and privacy rights of individuals within the EU. It marked a significant shift from earlier data protection laws by establishing uniform regulations across member states and expanding the scope to include entities outside the EU that process the personal data of EU residents. When comparing GDPR to previous EU laws, such as the Data Protection Directive 95/46/EC, several key differences emerge. The GDPR provides enhanced legal protections, stricter consent requirements, rights to data portability, and significantly higher fines for non-compliance. It emphasizes accountability and transparency, mandating organizations to implement comprehensive data management practices to demonstrate compliance.

In contrast, earlier laws were less prescriptive and varied among member states, which often created complexity for multinational organizations. The GDPR’s extraterritorial scope is particularly noteworthy; it applies to any organization worldwide processing the data of EU citizens, regardless of where the organization is based. This global reach reflects the EU’s ambitions to influence international data practices and underscores the importance of privacy as a fundamental human right. Ultimately, GDPR’s comprehensive approach aims to empower individuals with control over their personal data and impose stricter penalties on organizations that fail to meet its standards.

The distinction between Data Technology and Information Technology is crucial in understanding current transformations in data management. Data Technology refers to the tools, systems, and processes that directly handle data—such as databases, data mining, and data analytics. It emphasizes the technical means by which data is collected, stored, and manipulated. Conversely, Information Technology (IT) encompasses a broader scope that includes the entire suite of hardware, software, networks, and infrastructure used to manage, process, and communicate data and information. While Data Technology centers specifically on the handling of raw data, Information Technology integrates data practices into the wider context of organizational functions and digital systems.

The transition toward Information Technology as a foundation for data management is driven by several factors. First, the increasing complexity of data ecosystems necessitates a more holistic approach—integrating data handling with IT infrastructure enhances security, compliance, and operational efficiency. Second, the proliferation of big data and cloud computing demands scalable and flexible IT solutions that can accommodate diverse data sources and applications seamlessly. Third, the growing emphasis on data privacy, security, and ethical use underscores the importance of managing data within a comprehensive IT framework that includes encryption, access controls, and audit mechanisms.

Many organizations have responded to GDPR by updating their privacy policies, reflecting implementation of new legal and technical measures. Common changes include clearer disclosures about data collection practices, giving individuals explicit consent options, and outlining their rights to access, rectify, or delete their data. Organizations now employ more detailed data inventories and conduct impact assessments to identify and mitigate risks related to personal data processing. Additionally, privacy by design principles have become standard, requiring organizations to embed privacy considerations into their system development processes from the outset. Data breach notification procedures have also been strengthened, mandating organizations to inform authorities and affected individuals promptly in case of security incidents.

This evolution in privacy policy and data handling practices underscores a broader shift from traditional Data Technology approaches to integrated Information Technology strategies centered on privacy, compliance, and ethical data stewardship. Organizations adopting these changes aim to build consumer trust, meet legal obligations, and harness data responsibly for competitive advantage in an increasingly digital economy.

References

  • European Commission. (2016). Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation). Official Journal of the European Union.
  • Kuner, C., Bygrave, L. A., & Docksey, C. (2019). The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): A commentary. Oxford University Press.
  • Greenleaf, G. (2018). Global Data Privacy Laws 2017: 120 National Data Privacy Laws, Including Indonesia and Turkey. Privacy Laws & Business International Report, 152, 10-13.
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  • Hogan, M. (2019). The Impact of GDPR on Business Practices: An Analysis. Journal of Business Ethics, 155, 857–869.

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