This regulation has numerous benefits for individuals in terms of privacy protection.
One of the critical benefits of GDPR is that it gives individuals more control over their data. Under this regulation, individuals have the right to know what personal data is being collected about them, why it is being collected, and how it will be used. They also have the right to access their data and request its deletion if they no longer want it to be stored or processed. This increased transparency and control empower individuals to make informed decisions about their personal information.
Another benefit of GDPR is that it strengthens consent requirements for data processing. For organizations to collect and process an individual’s data, they must obtain explicit consent. This means that organizations can no longer use pre-ticked boxes or vague language to obtain permission; they must clearly explain how the data will be used and allow individuals to opt out if they disagree. This ensures that individuals are fully aware of how their data will be used and have a choice in whether or not they want to share it.
GDPR enhances security measures for protecting personal data. Organizations must implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure the security of personal data against unauthorized access, loss, destruction, or alteration. They must also notify individuals promptly if there has been a data breach so that they can take necessary precautions. These security measures help prevent identity theft, fraud, and other forms of misuse of personal information.
GDPR also introduces stricter rules regarding profiling and automated decision-making processes. Profiling refers to any automated processing that uses personal data to evaluate certain aspects of an individual’s behavior or characteristics. Under GDPR, individuals have the right not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, if it produces legal or similarly significant effects. This protects individuals from unfair or discriminatory practices arising from automated decision-making.
It gives individuals more control over their data, strengthens consent requirements, enhances security measures, and safeguards against unfair profiling and automated decision-making. These benefits empower individuals to protect their privacy and make informed decisions about how their personal information is used. The GDPR sets a high standard for privacy protection and serves as a model for other countries and regions seeking to enhance privacy rights for their citizens.