Spotlight on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
With the global population of internet users exceeding 4 billion, the increasing number of data leak and data abuse incidences is worrisome and should not be taken lightly. The European Commission is actively driving increased standards for data protection, a fundamental right of citizens. The general data protection regulation (GDPR), which entered into effect on the 25 May 2018, represents the most comprehensive reform in the field of privacy and data protection since the dawn of the internet. Setting data-protection standards that are now becoming global, it is the result of long preparation and debate among stakeholders and represents a major achievement. By setting a modern context for the protection of data, GDPR increases the trust of individuals in the digital world. The new framework, therefore, benefits not only citizens but also businesses. Find out more about the GDPR in this newsletter!
  
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Handbook on security of personal data processing
Under the general data protection regulation (GDPR), one of the core obligations for all businesses, acting either as data controllers or data processors, is the security of personal data. This concept of security should equally cover confidentiality, integrity and availability and should be designed following a risk-based approach: the higher the risk, the more rigorous the measures to manage it. On this basis the European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA) published a set of guidelines with case examples, aiming to help small and medium enterprises assess data security risks and adopt proportionate security measures.
Available in English
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Privacy and data protection in mobile applications
A study on the app development ecosystem and the technical implementation of GDPR
This publication provides a study on data protection in mobile apps by analysing the app development environment, as well as by defining relevant best practices, open issues and gaps in the field. Special risks in mobile apps stem mainly from the variety of data and sensors, the use of different types of identifiers, the extended possibility of user tracking, the complex mobile app ecosystem, the limitations of app developers, as well as the extended use of third-party software and services. For all these reasons, the implementation of the data-protection core principles faces serious challenges in this field.
Available in English
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Annual report 2017
Report of the European Data Protection Supervisor
The annual report of the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) provides important information to stakeholders with special interest in the field of data protection. It explains how and why things evolved the way they did and how the general data protection regulation (GDPR), an outstanding achievement for the EU, its legislators and stakeholders was reached. Most importantly perhaps, it provides insights into what is yet to come in 2018 and beyond. In a quote from the report itself: 'the EU's work to ensure that data protection goes digital is far from finished'.
Available in English
Also out this month
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A Digital Single Market for the benefit of all Europeans
Towards a more united, stronger and more democratic union
The digital single market is one of the priorities of the Juncker Commission and translates to a digitally connected Europe with no digital barriers for consumers and businesses. This brochure presents the milestones that have been achieved in this direction, as well as what these milestones mean in practice for the citizens of Europe. It also compares the current digital landscape to that which existed before the initiatives of the Juncker Commission.
Available in all the official languages of the EU
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The (ir-)revocability of the withdrawal notification under Article 50 TEU
In-depth analysis - Study
This in-depth analysis examines the issue of a possible revocation of a withdrawal notification under article 50 TEU. In light of the ongoing negotiations on the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the EU, the possibility for the United Kingdom to revoke its withdrawal notification has become a significant political and legal/institutional issue. The analysis examines the case of revocation of a withdrawal notification under both international and EU law and assesses the various positions expressed so far on the matter.
Available in English
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The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development
Resource efficient rural economies : projects brochure
This project brochure presents concrete examples of how resource efficiency is being supported across rural Europe. Resource efficiency means using natural resources in a sustainable way as well as minimising the impact of human activities on the environment. In a few words, it encapsulates the idea of 'doing more with less'. The examples highlighted in this edition focus on water and soil, two highly relevant resources for agriculture and rural development. Efficient management of soil and water is one of Europe's strategic priorities.
Available in English |
