Which regulation focuses on the protection of personal information in the European Union?

The regulation that focuses on the protection of personal information in the European Union is known as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Implemented in May 2018, GDPR sets a comprehensive framework for data protection within the EU, emphasizing the importance of individual privacy rights. It mandates that organizations must obtain explicit consent from individuals before collecting and processing their personal data. Furthermore, GDPR gives individuals the right to access their data, request its deletion, and be informed about how their data is being used.

This regulation is significant because it not only standardizes data protection laws across EU member states but also applies to entities outside the EU that process the personal data of EU residents, thereby extending its reach globally. The emphasis on personal data rights, data protection impact assessments, and mandatory reporting of data breaches under GDPR reflects a robust approach to data privacy, making it a cornerstone of data protection in the European Union.