GDPR: Two candles on the cake

For those of us who have lived and breathed GDPR from the start, it feels like the last two years has gone very quickly debating questions around implementation. We at PL&B followed the initial steps with the legislation right from the start when lobby groups were making their representations and individuals just had a vague idea of what was to follow.

Now, there is a great awareness of the GDPR but clearly much work remains to be done. Data breaches are still far too common, and the SME community has not fully embraced the regulation. Data protection challenges posed by new technologies need to be addressed, and the Coronavirus pandemic has put privacy rules in the spotlight.

Marking GDPR’s second birthday, Věra Jourová, EU Vice-President for Values and Transparency, and Didier Reynders, Commissioner for Justice, issued the following statement:

“25 May marks the second anniversary of the application of Europe's strengthened data protection rules, the General Data Protection Regulation, widely known as the GDPR. Within two years, these rules have not only shaped the way we deal with our personal data in Europe, but has also become a reference point at global level on privacy. In an environment increasingly relying on the processing of data, the GDPR ensures that citizens have more control over their personal data and sets at the same time a framework for trustworthy innovation. GDPR is a cornerstone of the European digital transition.”

“During the past two years, citizens and businesses have become more aware of the importance of data protection. The Commission has supported this growing awareness through online communication efforts such as our web guidance that 4.3 million businesses and citizens consulted over the last two years.”

“In the context of the coronavirus pandemic, now, more than ever, citizens must be sure that their personal data are well protected. Tracing apps can only become an effective and widely used tool to support the recovery from the pandemic when citizens trust that their privacy is safeguarded. In this respect, the GDPR and EU privacy rules play a vital role.”

Laura Linkomies
Editor, Privacy Laws & Business