First adopted in 1995, the Data Privacy Directive was devised as a way of regulating the way personal data was managed in EU member states. Once the EU Data Privacy Directive was passed a lot changed in relation to the availability of data.
These changes originated from the proliferation of the Internet, which has meant that a individual’s data can now be stored and accessed, in a many of different places.
They brought about the requirement for a more thorough system. Due to this, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was passed on 27 May 2016 and will become enforceable from 25 May 2018.
GDPR vs EU Data Privacy Directive
The main contrast between the GDPR and the EU Data Privacy Directive is that the previous is a directive and the later is a more inclusive regulation. Under the Directive, all countries could interpret the guideline provided in different ways. Under the GDPR, the regulations are applicable across the entire European Union
There may be some room for maneuverability for various supervisory authorities to rule on certain matters, such as the level of actions to be taken when there is non-compliance. Additionally, it is thought that there will be some liaison between supervisory bodies and the EU will oversee all of the operations of each authority.
It is worth remembering that any business or group that manages the personal data of people residing in the EU has to adhere with GDPR, even if it is not located within the EU.
Any firm that does not adhere with the new regulations could be hit with a massive fine or another sanction.