Nicosia, Cyprus. The General Data Protection Regulation strengthened the public’s rights and reinforced accountability in the handling of personal data, data protection commissioner Maria Christofidou said on Monday. She marked eight years since the regulation was introduced across the EU.
Stronger protections and unified framework
Christofidou said the GDPR established stronger protections while creating a unified framework for personal data protection across member states. She said the regulation enshrined the principle of transparency and reinforced the accountability of organisations that process personal data.
Consistency across Europe
Christofidou added that the GDPR contributed to a coherent and uniform framework for the protection of personal data throughout Europe. She also referred to the establishment of the European Data Protection Board in 2018, saying it had bolstered coordination between supervisory authorities in both national and cross-border cases.
According to the statement, the board enhanced consistency in enforcement and promoted a more uniform approach among member states in the application of data protection rules.
Digital security and public trust
Christofidou said personal data protection remained central during a period defined by digital transformation, artificial intelligence and increasing cyberattacks. She said protection of personal data remains the cornerstone of transparency, democracy and digital security.
She added that data protection was not only a legal obligation but also a basic guarantee of the public’s trust in both institutions and businesses that process personal data. Christofidou said the anniversary was an opportunity to reaffirm the Data Protection Authority’s commitment to defending the fundamental right to the protection of personal data and privacy.