The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is an EU-wide legal framework designed to protect personal data privacy and give individuals more control over how their data is used. In Cyprus, as part of the European Union, all businesses and organizations are required to comply with GDPR if they process or store personal data of EU citizens.

GDPR mandates that companies collect personal data only for specified, legitimate purposes and limit data collection to what is strictly necessary. Organizations must obtain explicit consent from individuals before processing their personal data, and they must be transparent about how the data will be used.

Another critical aspect of GDPR compliance is providing individuals with the right to access their data, request corrections, or demand that their data be deleted (also known as the right to be forgotten). Non-compliance with GDPR can lead to significant fines, ranging from 2% to 4% of global annual revenue or up to €20 million, whichever is higher.

Businesses in Cyprus should also ensure they appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO), if required, and establish clear policies for handling data breaches. GDPR compliance can be complex, and it’s recommended to consult with legal experts like VH Law to ensure your business adheres to all requirements.