RGPD is the French term for the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the European Union’s comprehensive data privacy law. Enforced since May 25, 2018, it governs how personal data of EU and EEA residents is collected, used, and protected—regardless of where the processing organization is located.
RGPD establishes a unified legal framework for data protection across Europe. It gives individuals greater control over their personal information and imposes strict obligations on businesses to handle data transparently, securely, and fairly.
Any business offering goods or services to EU residents—or monitoring their behavior online—must comply, even if the company is based outside the EU.
Key Principles
Organizations must follow these guiding principles:
- Lawfulness and transparency: Data collection must be legal and clear to users.
- Purpose limitation: Use data only for the purpose for which it was collected.
- Data minimization: Collect only what’s necessary.
- Accuracy: Keep data up to date.
- Storage limitation: Retain data only as long as needed.
- Integrity and confidentiality: Secure data against loss or unauthorized access.
- Accountability: Prove you’re following the rules.
Rights for Individuals
RGPD gives people the right to:
- Access their data
- Correct inaccuracies
- Request deletion (“right to be forgotten”)
- Restrict or object to processing
- Transfer their data to another provider
- Opt out of automated decisions
What Businesses Must Do
To comply, companies must:
- Get explicit consent for data use
- Report breaches within 72 hours
- Appoint a Data Protection Officer if needed
- Keep detailed records of data processing
- Conduct risk assessments for sensitive data
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Fines can reach €20 million or 4% of annual global revenue—whichever is higher. Regulators can also issue warnings, audits, and bans on processing.
A Global Standard
Although it’s an EU regulation, RGPD has influenced privacy laws worldwide. Many companies outside Europe have updated their data practices to align with its requirements.
RGPD sets the bar for modern privacy, encouraging businesses to treat personal data with transparency, security, and respect.
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