Description: General Data Protection refers to a set of policies and practices designed to safeguard personal information in various contexts, particularly in the realm of digital technologies and applications. In an increasingly connected world, where devices and services collect and process personal data, protecting this information becomes crucial. This protection involves implementing technical and organizational measures that ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. Regulations in this area aim to establish a legal framework that requires companies to handle data responsibly, ensuring that users have control over their information. Security in digital ecosystems is particularly challenging due to the diversity of devices and the nature of the networks they operate on. Therefore, General Data Protection not only focuses on the collection and storage of data but also on its transmission and use, ensuring that individuals’ rights are respected in an increasingly complex digital environment.
History: General Data Protection has its roots in the growing concern for privacy and the security of personal information, especially with the rise of the Internet in the 1990s. In 1995, the European Union adopted Directive 95/46/EC, which established fundamental principles for data protection. Over time, this directive was replaced by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2018, which strengthened individuals’ rights and imposed stricter obligations on organizations. The evolution of technology, particularly in the digital sphere, has necessitated the adaptation of these regulations to address the new challenges posed by connected devices.
Uses: General Data Protection is applied in various areas, including the collection of personal data by technology companies, cloud services, and mobile applications. Organizations must implement clear privacy policies, obtain user consent before processing their data, and ensure that information is handled securely. Additionally, it is used to audit and monitor data usage, ensuring compliance with regulations and protecting individuals’ rights.
Examples: An example of General Data Protection in action is the use of connected health devices, such as glucose monitors, which collect sensitive user data. These applications must comply with data protection regulations, ensuring that information is stored securely and that users have control over who can access their data. Another case is that of smart security cameras, which must inform users about how their images and data are used and obtain their consent for storage and processing.
