DSGVO is the German abbreviation for the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)—a comprehensive data protection law enforced across the European Union (EU) since May 25, 2018. While “GDPR” is the commonly used term internationally, DSGVO is the name used in Germany and other German-speaking regions.
This regulation was designed to harmonize data privacy laws across Europe, strengthen individual rights regarding personal data, and reshape the way organizations handle user data. It applies to any business—regardless of its location—that processes personal data of individuals within the EU.
Key principles of the DSGVO include
- Data minimization: Organizations must only collect data that is necessary for a specific purpose.
- Lawful basis for processing: Every data collection and use must be grounded in a legal justification, such as consent, contractual necessity, or legitimate interest.
- Transparency and consent: Users must be informed about how their data is being used, and consent must be freely given, specific, and revocable.
- Data subject rights: Individuals have the right to access, correct, delete, and restrict the processing of their personal data.
- Accountability and security: Companies must implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data and demonstrate compliance.
Failure to comply with the GDPR can result in severe penalties—up to €20 million or 4% of the company’s annual global turnover, whichever is higher.
In practical terms, DSGVO compliance impacts everything from website cookie banners and privacy policies to how companies store customer information, email marketing campaigns, and share data with third-party services.
The DSGVO has become a global benchmark for privacy standards, influencing regulations in other regions such as Brazil’s LGPD and California’s CCPA.
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