GDPR
EU regulation for personal data protection and privacy
CAA
U.S. federal law regulating air emissions and quality standards
Quick Verdict
GDPR mandates data privacy for EU residents worldwide, enforcing rights and accountability with massive fines. CAA regulates US air emissions via standards, permits, and monitoring for health protection. Companies adopt GDPR for compliance, CAA to avoid penalties and meet environmental goals.
GDPR
Regulation (EU) 2016/679 - General Data Protection Regulation
Key Features
- Extraterritorial scope applies to non-EU entities targeting EU residents
- Accountability principle requires demonstrable compliance through DPIAs and ROPAs
- Fines up to 4% of global annual turnover or €20 million
- Comprehensive data subject rights including erasure and portability
- Mandatory 72-hour data breach notification to authorities
CAA
Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. §7401 et seq.)
Key Features
- National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for criteria pollutants
- State Implementation Plans (SIPs) and nonattainment planning
- Technology-based NSPS and MACT/NESHAP standards
- Title V operating permits consolidating requirements
- Multi-layered enforcement with penalties and sanctions
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
GDPR Details
What It Is
Regulation (EU) 2016/679, known as GDPR, is a directly applicable EU regulation protecting natural persons' personal data. It modernizes privacy rules with extraterritorial scope, applying globally to entities processing EU residents' data. Core approach is accountability-based, requiring lawful processing bases and risk assessments like DPIAs.
Key Components
- Seven principles: lawfulness, purpose limitation, minimization, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, accountability.
- Data subject rights: access, rectification, erasure, portability, objection.
- Obligations: DPO appointment, ROPA maintenance, breach notifications.
- Enforcement via DPAs, one-stop-shop, fines up to 4% turnover.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory for EU data processors; reduces legal risks, builds trust, enables Digital Single Market. Enhances reputation, avoids massive fines, supports global compliance amid Brussels Effect.
Implementation Overview
Risk-based rollout: gap analysis, policy updates, training, DPIAs. Applies universally; high complexity for SMEs. No certification, but ongoing DPA audits required. Typical via consultants, 18-24 months.
CAA Details
What It Is
The Clean Air Act (CAA), codified at 42 U.S.C. §7401 et seq., is a U.S. federal statute establishing national air quality protections. It authorizes EPA to set ambient and source-based standards, with states implementing via enforceable plans. Its cooperative federalism approach combines national floors with state flexibility.
Key Components
- NAAQS for six criteria pollutants (primary/secondary standards).
- SIPs, NSPS, NESHAPs/MACT, Title V permits.
- **Titles II-VImobile sources, HAPs, acid rain trading, ozone protection.
- Built on ambient outcomes, technology standards, permitting, enforcement; no fixed control count, but layered requirements. Compliance via permits, monitoring, reporting.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory for emitters; drives compliance to avoid penalties, sanctions. Manages nonattainment risks, enables expansions. Reduces health/litigation exposure, supports ESG via emission cuts.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis (0-6 months), permitting/design (6-18), deployment/operations (ongoing). Applies to major stationary/mobile sources nationwide; state-specific via SIPs. No central certification; audited via permits/enforcement.
Key Differences
| Aspect | GDPR | CAA |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data protection and privacy rights | Air quality standards and emission controls |
| Industry | All sectors processing EU data globally | Energy, manufacturing, transportation in US |
| Nature | Mandatory EU regulation with fines | US federal law with state implementation |
| Testing | DPIAs for high-risk processing | CEMS, stack tests, continuous monitoring |
| Penalties | Up to 4% global turnover fines | Civil penalties, shutdowns, citizen suits |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about GDPR and CAA
GDPR FAQ
CAA FAQ
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