Basics of GDPR

LEGAL VIEWPOINT BY DR. ABDELGADIR WARSAMA GHALIB

In a conference covering Personal Data we mentioned, among other participants that this issue is one of the most crucial sensitive issues for all. Moreover, it is important in this “data” era, to give enough protection to the personal data of all, everywhere. Mostly, a friend may ask about the no or other details of another friend and a volunteer automatically give the reply.

This could lead to unpleasant situation. On the face of it, to protect the personal data indicated a high good respect to any person and to all his personal belongings and this is a good initiative to protect personal rights.

To fulfill this good stand the European Union (EU) took major steps and issued an important regulation (GDPR).

The General Data Protection Regulation, applies to different types of data processing to be carried by organizations operating within or without the EU. It applies on entities outside EU, offering goods or services to individuals in EU.

Good, also, Bahrain issued its law to govern personal data protection. More important to say, Bahrain legislation in this issue is well advanced and in line with the global standards.

Your personal data protection is well protected in Bahrain. This is an advantage and privilege to all in Bahrain.

GDPR is mainly for protection of personal data, however, there is an exemption as GDPR does not apply to certain activities including certain instances of data processing if they are covered by the law enforcement directives, processing for national security purposes and processing carried out by individuals purely for personal activities.

The regulation for more clarity, specifies types of exemptions for application whenever required. To streamline the process, GDPR applies to controllers and processors. Controller is the authorized body to say how and why personal data is processed, whereas, the processor is the body that acts on the controller’s behalf and control.

If you happened to be a process  r, GDPR places specific legal obligations on you.

For example, you are required to maintain records of personal data and the processing activities undertaken.

As a processor, you have more legal liability if responsible for any breach. Obligations for processors are new requirements under GDPR and they confirm the firm strategy towards stringent rules to regulate the personal data to curb the huge destructive misuse we a refacing.

Howe ve r, controllers are not relieved of their obligations where a processor is involved.

GDPR places further obligations on the controllers to ensure that contracts with processors comply with the provisions of the GDPR. As a general rule, GDPR applies to ‘personal data’. However, the GDPR’s definition is more detailed. The definition provides for wide range of personal identifiers as personal data, reflecting changes in technology and the way organizations collect info about persons.

I believe, the justification behind covering automated and manual filling systems, is to cover all data processing, otherwise there could be escape room by manual data processing. It is necessary to say, GDPR is giving great boost to protect personal data everywhere in our world and it is good that it has been taken by countries in the region, including Bahrain.

Needless to say, that all are required to comply with the personal data protection regulations, otherwise to be ready for heavy fines and other legal actions.

Everyone shall give full care for the personal data of others to the same degree he excepts form others when dealing with his personal data. Doing this, will automatically help in good protection for the personal data of all.

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(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Daily Tribune)