Data Security and Protection Overview

Introduction

Welcome...

The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is the most important change in data privacy regulation over two decades. We now have powerful processing devices sitting in the palms of our hands (mobiles, tablets, laptops) and the computing power to process billions of pieces of data in countless formats. As well as this, the birth of social media and an ever-developing internet means that data protection is more important now than ever before.

Key Facts

Brief History of data protection and the GDPR

1940s - The first legal protection of privacy

The European Convention of Human Rights introduced the concept of privacy to law. Article 8 provided the foundation of modern privacy laws that we are familiar with today.

1980s - Convention for the Protection of Individuals

The Convention for the Protection of Individuals relating to the automatic processing of personal data was set out by the EU in order to ensure free flow of data throughout the EU without infringing on privacy. This was the minimum standard set for privacy laws throughout the EU.

1980s - 2000s - Updates

The Data Protection Directive with regard to the processing and free movement of personal data was adopted and formed an important component of EU privacy and human rights law.

Now - GDPR and Data Protection Act

In 2014 the European Parliament demonstrated strong support for the GDPR and enactment followed in 2016 where it was voted in with strong support. The EU members were then given two years to ensure that it was fully implemented across the member states by a deadline of 25th May 2018.

The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is the most important change in data privacy regulation over two decades. We now have powerful processing devices sitting in the palms of our hands (mobiles, tablets, laptops) and the computing power to process billions of pieces of data in countless formats. As well as this, the birth of social media and an ever-developing internet means that data protection is more important now than ever before.

Aims of this eLearning Course