Description

Introduction
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) represents one of the most comprehensive data protection laws in the world. Enforced since May 2018, it reshaped how organizations handle personal data, placing individuals at the center of data privacy. This course introduces the key concepts, regulatory scope, and actionable compliance strategies, helping professionals understand the “why,” “what,” and “how” of GDPR.

Prerequisites

• Basic awareness of digital data usage in business or tech environments

• No prior legal expertise required

• Ideal for beginners, team leads, data handlers, and compliance professionals

Table of Contents

1. Understanding GDPR
 1.1 What is GDPR and Why It Was Introduced
 1.2 Global Impact and Extraterritorial Reach
 1.3 Who Must Comply – Organizations and Sectors
 1.4 Key Terms: Data Controller, Data Processor, Data Subject

2. Core Objectives and Principles
 2.1 Empowering Data Subjects
 2.2 Ensuring Transparency and Accountability
 2.3 The Seven Foundational Principles of GDPR
 2.4 Applying Principles in Practice

3. Lawful Basis for Data Processing
 3.1 Consent – Conditions and Clarity
 3.2 Contracts and Legal Obligations
 3.3 Legitimate Interests – Balancing Rights
 3.4 Other Bases: Public Interest, Vital Interest

4. Rights of Data Subjects
 4.1 Right to Information and Access
 4.2 Right to Rectification and Erasure
 4.3 Right to Restrict or Object to Processing
 4.4 Data Portability and Automated Decisions

5. Data Protection Responsibilities
 5.1 Obligations for Data Controllers
 5.2 Obligations for Data Processors
 5.3 Record Keeping and Internal Documentation
 5.4 Role of the Data Protection Officer (DPO)

6. Data Breach and Notification Requirements
 6.1 Definition of a Personal Data Breach
 6.2 72-Hour Notification Rule
 6.3 Communicating with Data Subjects
 6.4 Managing Breach Risks and Responses

7. Cross-Border Data Transfers
 7.1 Data Transfers Outside the EU
 7.2 Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) and Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs)
 7.3 Post-Schrems II Updates and Requirements

8. Implementing GDPR Compliance
 8.1 Steps to Build a Compliance Roadmap
 8.2 Staff Training and Awareness Programs
 8.3 Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs)
 8.4 Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

GDPR is not a one-time checklist but a continuous process of governance, awareness, and respect for personal data. By mastering the key concepts and aligning with its principles, organizations can build trust with stakeholders and confidently operate within an increasingly privacy-conscious world.