Internet Data Privacy Laws: GDPR & CCPA

Internet safety and data privacy laws are crucial topics in today's digital age. Two significant regulations are the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Here's an overview of each:

GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation):

GDPR is a comprehensive data privacy regulation that applies to the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA).

It came into effect on May 25, 2018, and is designed to protect the personal data of individuals within the EU/EEA.

Key provisions include:

  • Consent: Organizations must obtain clear and affirmative consent before collecting personal data.

  • Data Subject Rights: Individuals have the right to access, rectify, and erase their data, as well as the right to data portability.

  • Data Protection Officer (DPO): Some organizations must appoint a DPO to oversee GDPR compliance.

  • Data Breach Notification: Organizations must report data breaches within 72 hours of becoming aware of them.

Non-compliance can result in significant fines, up to €20 million or 4% of the company's global annual revenue, whichever is higher.

CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act): CCPA is a data privacy law in California, which became effective on January 1, 2020.

It grants California residents specific rights over their personal information held by businesses.

Key provisions include:

  • Right to Know: Individuals can request information about what personal data is collected, used, and shared by a business.

  • Right to Delete: Individuals can request the deletion of their personal data held by a business.

  • Right to Opt-Out: Individuals can opt out of the sale of their personal information to third parties.

  • Non-discrimination: Businesses cannot discriminate against individuals who exercise their CCPA rights.

CCPA applies to businesses that meet certain criteria, including those that collect personal data and do business in California, with annual gross revenues exceeding $25 million.

Non-compliance can lead to fines of up to $7,500 per violation.

Both GDPR and CCPA highlight the growing global concern for data privacy. Many other regions and countries have also introduced or updated data protection laws to ensure the safe and responsible handling of personal information in the digital age. It's essential for individuals and organizations to understand and comply with these regulations to protect data privacy.

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Derek