Introduction

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has been in effect since May 2018, revolutionizing the way organizations handle personal data. With its rigorous standards and severe penalties for non-compliance, the GDPR has forced companies to reevaluate their data protection strategies. As we move forward, it’s essential to consider the future outlook of GDPR and its implications on businesses and individuals alike.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the current state of GDPR, its impact on the business world, and what the future holds for this regulation. We’ll also examine the statistics and trends that will shape the future of data protection.

The Current State of GDPR: A Look Back

The GDPR has had a significant impact on businesses worldwide. According to a survey by PwC, 92% of organizations consider GDPR compliance a top priority (1). This is not surprising, given the hefty fines for non-compliance – up to €20 million or 4% of global turnover (2).

In the past year, we’ve seen several high-profile cases of GDPR non-compliance. For example, British Airways was fined £183 million for a data breach that exposed the personal data of over 500,000 customers (3). Similarly, Marriott International was fined £99 million for a data breach that affected millions of guests (4).

Despite these challenges, many organizations have made significant strides in implementing GDPR-compliant data protection practices. A survey by IT Governance found that 71% of organizations have implemented a data protection by design approach (5).

As we look to the future, several emerging trends are expected to shape the landscape of GDPR compliance. These include:

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are revolutionizing the way organizations process and analyze personal data. However, these technologies also raise concerns about bias, transparency, and accountability. The GDPR has strict guidelines for AI and ML, requiring organizations to implement measures to prevent bias and ensure transparency.

According to a report by Gartner, 85% of AI projects will have accuracy issues due to biased data (6). This highlights the need for organizations to prioritize data quality and implement robust testing protocols to ensure AI and ML systems are fair and transparent.

Cloud Computing and Data Transfer

Cloud computing has transformed the way organizations store and process data. However, the GDPR has strict guidelines for cross-border data transfers, requiring organizations to ensure that data is transferred securely and in compliance with EU regulations.

A survey by ITPro found that 65% of organizations use cloud services to store personal data (7). As cloud adoption continues to grow, organizations must prioritize data transfer security and implement robust measures to ensure GDPR compliance.

Cybersecurity and Data Breaches

Cybersecurity threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and data breaches are on the rise. The GDPR has strict guidelines for data breach notification, requiring organizations to notify affected individuals and regulatory authorities within 72 hours (8).

According to a report by Cybersecurity Ventures, the global cost of cybercrime is expected to reach $6 trillion by 2025 (9). This highlights the need for organizations to prioritize cybersecurity and implement robust measures to prevent data breaches.

The Future of GDPR: What to Expect

As we look to the future, several developments are expected to shape the landscape of GDPR. These include:

EU Data Protection Regulation Reform

The EU is currently reviewing the GDPR, with several reforms expected in the coming years. These reforms will likely focus on emerging technologies, such as AI and blockchain, and may introduce new requirements for data protection by design and default.

According to a report by the European Commission, the review of the GDPR will focus on ensuring that the regulation remains fit for purpose in the digital age (10).

Brexit and the UK Data Protection Act

The UK’s departure from the EU has significant implications for GDPR compliance. The UK Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018) is currently aligned with the GDPR, but this may change in the future.

According to a report by the UK Information Commissioner’s Office, the UK will continue to adopt a data protection framework based on the GDPR (11).

Global Data Protection Regulations

The GDPR has inspired a wave of data protection regulations around the world. The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the Brazilian General Data Protection Law (LGPD) are just two examples of regulations that have been influenced by the GDPR.

According to a report by Baker McKenzie, 76% of countries have implemented or are planning to implement data protection regulations (12).

Conclusion

The GDPR has had a significant impact on businesses worldwide, and its influence is expected to continue in the coming years. As we navigate the future of data protection, it’s essential to stay informed about emerging trends and developments.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the future of GDPR. What do you think will be the biggest challenges for organizations in the coming years? How do you think the GDPR will evolve to address emerging technologies and trends?

Leave a comment below to join the conversation!

References:

(1) PwC. (2020). 2020 Global Digital Trust Survey.

(2) European Commission. (2018). Regulation (EU) 2016/679.

(3) BBC News. (2020). British Airways fined £183m for data breach.

(4) BBC News. (2020). Marriott International fined £99m for data breach.

(5) IT Governance. (2020). 2020 Data Protection By Design Survey.

(6) Gartner. (2020). Predicts 2020: Artificial Intelligence.

(7) ITPro. (2020). 2020 Cloud Security Survey.

(8) European Commission. (2018). Regulation (EU) 2016/679.

(9) Cybersecurity Ventures. (2020). 2020 Cybercrime Report.

(10) European Commission. (2020). Review of the GDPR.

(11) UK Information Commissioner’s Office. (2020). Data Protection and Brexit.

(12) Baker McKenzie. (2020). Global Data Protection Register.