What is the European Union (EU) Data Protection Directive?

The European Union (EU) Data Protection Directive is a legal framework that governs the processing of personal data within the European Union (EU). It was established to protect individuals’ rights and freedoms when their personal data is used. The directive also facilitates the free movement of personal data between the Member States of the EU. The directive sets out a range of general principles that organizations must abide by when they process an individual’s personal data. These principles include: the data must be collected fairly, lawfully and for specified purposes; it must be accurate and up to date; it must not be kept for longer than is necessary; and it must have appropriate security measures in place to protect it from unauthorized access. Organizations must also inform individuals about how their personal data is being processed, and organizations are not allowed to transfer personal data to third countries that do not offer the same level of data protection as the EU. In California, companies must comply with the EU Data Protection Directive if they process the personal data of individuals in the EU. However, California has its own set of data security laws, which are based on the EU directive, but are more stringent in certain areas. These laws must be adhered to in order for companies to do business in California.

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