What are the key differences between privacy laws in the EU and the US?

What are the key differences between privacy laws in the EU and the US?

The EU has the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which emphasizes user consent and data protection rights. In contrast, the US has a more sectoral approach, with laws like HIPAA for health data and CCPA for consumer privacy, but lacks a comprehensive federal law.

How does GDPR affect businesses operating in the US?

GDPR applies to any business that processes the data of EU citizens, regardless of where the business is located. This means US companies must comply with GDPR if they handle EU residents' data, which can involve significant changes to their data handling practices.

What are the penalties for violating GDPR?

Penalties for violating GDPR can be severe, with fines reaching up to 4% of a company's global annual revenue or €20 million, whichever is higher. This emphasizes the importance of compliance for businesses.

Are there any recent changes to privacy laws I should be aware of?

Yes, privacy laws are evolving rapidly. For instance, several US states have introduced or updated privacy laws similar to the CCPA, and the EU is continuously refining GDPR guidelines. It's essential to stay informed about these changes.