Final spurt for preparation for new data protection rules

The EU Commission is helping companies prepare for the new data protection law, which is due to come into force across the EU from May 25, 2018, with a question-and-answer catalog.

As of May 25, 2018, the new, stricter and EU-wide data protection law will apply. Although the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) creates a uniform set of rules that is directly applicable in all member states, it requires far-reaching adjustments in certain areas. However, many EU member states and companies are still not sufficiently prepared. That is why the EU Commission has developed an online tool with a Question and answer catalog and examples for small and medium enterprises provided on the Internet.

The GDPR creates uniform rules for all companies offering services in the EU, even if they are located outside the EU. If the protection of personal data is breached in a company, the company must inform the data protection authorities about the incident within 72 hours. All data protection authorities will be empowered to impose fines of up to €20 million or 4 % of annual global turnover.