Five years ago, the GDPR, a groundbreaking legislation, came into effect, marking a major milestone in digital transformation in the EU. Since then, the landmark legislation has empowered citizens by giving them genuine control over their personal data and has created fair competitive conditions for businesses.
In a joint statement today, Věra Jourová, Vice-President for Values and Transparency, and Didier Reynders, Commissioner for Justice, reflected on the impact of the GDPR.
“Five years ago, in 2018, a pioneering act came into force: the General Data Protection Regulation,” they said. “This historic legislation has enabled citizens to gain real control over their data and has created fair competition conditions for companies.”
The GDPR has indeed proven to be a defining step in the EU’s digital transition. Not only has it set global standards for safe data regulation, but it has also laid the groundwork for a human-centric approach to technology use.
The regulation has bolstered and harmonised the fundamental right to data protection for all EU citizens. Individuals now have the right to know what data is being used and for what purpose. They have the right to access, rectify, and erase their data, bringing a greater level of transparency and control to their digital footprint.
As the GDPR turns five, it is clear that its implications have gone beyond European borders, setting an international precedent for data privacy legislation. The success of the GDPR offers a model for other countries and regions as they navigate the complex landscape of digital rights and data protection in the digital age.
The fifth anniversary of the GDPR is a time to celebrate its achievements, reaffirm its importance, and look ahead to the future of digital rights and data protection within the EU and beyond.
