What It Is

Regulation (EU) 2016/679, known as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), is a directly applicable EU law protecting natural persons' data. It modernizes privacy rules with extraterritorial scope, applying to any entity processing EU residents' data. Its accountability-based approach mandates demonstrating lawful processing via risk assessments like DPIAs.

Key Components

• Seven core principles: lawfulness, purpose limitation, minimization, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, accountability.
• Enhanced data subject rights (access, rectification, erasure, portability, objection).
• Obligations include DPO appointment, ROPA maintenance, breach notifications.
• Two-tier fines up to €20M or 4% global turnover; enforced by DPAs with one-stop-shop for cross-border cases.

Why Organizations Use It

Mandatory for EU data processors; reduces legal risks, builds trust, enables global data flows. Enhances reputation, avoids massive penalties, supports Digital Single Market competitiveness.

Implementation Overview

Involves gap analysis, policy updates, training, DPIAs, DPO hiring. Applies universally to controllers/processors handling EU data; no certification but ongoing DPA audits. SMEs face high burdens; large firms invest in privacy-by-design. (178 words)

What It Is

NIS2 Directive, officially Directive (EU) 2022/2555, is an EU regulation expanding the original NIS Directive. It establishes a high common level of cybersecurity resilience across member states, targeting essential and important entities in critical sectors like energy, transport, and digital infrastructure. It employs a risk-based approach with continuous risk management and an all-hazards methodology.

Key Components

• Four pillars: risk management, incident reporting, business continuity, corporate accountability.
• Mandates supply chain security, access controls, encryption, and multi-stage reporting (24-hour early warning, 72-hour notification, one-month final report).
• Built on standards like ISO 27001; no formal certification but compliance via national transposition and audits.

Why Organizations Use It

• Mandatory compliance for medium/large entities in covered sectors to avoid fines up to 2% global turnover.
• Enhances resilience against cyber threats, ensures business continuity, builds stakeholder trust.
• Provides competitive edge through harmonized EU-wide standards and proactive security.

Implementation Overview

• Transposition deadline: October 2024; applies to entities with 50+ employees or €10M+ turnover in EU.
• Involves gap analysis, risk assessments, governance setup, training, and spot-check readiness.
• Enterprise-wide transformation with ongoing monitoring. (178 words)