On May 25, 2024, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will celebrate its sixth anniversary as the global standard for data protection within Ireland and Europe. As this milestone approaches, businesses need to be prepared for several key developments on the horizon:
1. **EU Digital Reforms Package:** The regulatory net is expanding, particularly concerning data processing and personal data. The EU’s Digital Reforms package will introduce new laws covering AI, content, data, and cybersecurity. To navigate these changes, businesses should leverage existing data protection governance frameworks.
2. **Data Protection and AI:** With the EU AI Act coming into effect, companies utilizing AI systems must ensure GDPR compliance by integrating data protection and AI governance frameworks.
3. **Protection of Children’s Data Online:** Continued focus on safeguarding children’s personal data online will necessitate adherence to regulations surrounding transparency, parental consent, age verification, privacy, and content moderation for children.
4. **One-Stop-Shop Mechanism:** The centralization of cross-border enforcement through the One-Stop-Shop mechanism may see changes, impacting how GDPR violations are addressed and enforced across EU data protection authorities.
5. **Increased Privacy Litigation:** Anticipate a rise in privacy litigation as individuals become more informed of their data rights, with GDPR infringements leading to legal action and potential financial and reputational consequences for businesses.
6. **EU and US Data Transfers:** Following the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, which allows for the transfer of personal data between regions, upcoming developments may include enhanced redress mechanisms and ongoing confidence in the adequacy decision by regulators.
As we approach the sixth anniversary of the GDPR’s implementation, businesses should proactively prepare for these upcoming changes to ensure compliance and data protection in an evolving regulatory landscape.
