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What is GDPR?
GDPR is a European Union privacy law that gives people control over their personal data and sets rules for companies.
- Category Safety & law
- Also called General Data Protection Regulation
- Updated 20 Oct 2026
GDPR, explained simply
GDPR stands for General Data Protection Regulation. It protects the personal data of people in the European Union.
It says companies must explain what they collect and why. You can ask to see your data, fix it or have it deleted.
Many global websites follow it, which is why you see cookie banners. This isn't legal advice.
On ITG Now, our daily AI news stories sometimes cover GDPR and how AI tools handle personal data.
Related terms
EU AI ActAI regulationEncryptionTraining dataAI memory
Questions people ask about GDPR
Does GDPR apply to me if I am not in Europe?
It applies to companies handling data of people in the EU, wherever they are. Your own rules depend on where you live.
What rights does GDPR give me?
In general, you can access your data, correct it, ask for deletion and object to some uses.
GDPR vs EU AI Act: what is the difference?
GDPR covers personal data. The AI Act covers how AI systems are built and used.