Celebrating 7 Years of GDPR: A Look at Data Privacy, Then and Now

Seven years ago today, the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect, marking a crucial shift in data privacy and protection across Europe.

What Even Is GDPR? (And Why You Should Care)

Seven years ago today, the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect, marking a crucial shift in data privacy and protection across Europe.

We know, we know…. You are probably rolling your eyes just seeing the acronym GDPR – I mean, how many boxes did you check today alone connected with data protection? But GDPR is so much more than just a “box to be checked” and we are hoping to demystify it a little bit with this article.

It’s not a matter of having anything to hide. This “little” piece of legislation is the reason companies can no longer store piles of data forever, nor collect personal information without a valid justification.

At its core, GDPR places individuals at the center, empowering them with control and security over their personal information. This landmark legislation ensures that people have the power to decide how their data is used, promoting a sense of trust and safety in the digital world.

A Brief Look Back: The Roots of Data Privacy

While the roots of data privacy stretch back to the aftermath of World War II, when the world recognized the importance of safeguarding personal information, GDPR embodies a modern commitment to these principles. It is the result of decades of discussion on improving the protection of individuals’ privacy.

The Global Impact of GDPR

By prioritising transparency, consent, and responsible data practices, GDPR has become a global standard, inspiring similar laws worldwide (however, there is still a long way to go).

As we celebrate this date, we want to take a moment to reflect on how GDPR empowers individuals by giving them the tools to protect their digital rights.

This focus on human-centric values is deeply embedded in everything Mercedes-Benz.io does, ensuring that privacy and empowerment remain at the forefront of our digital landscape.

Living the Values: How GDPR Aligns with Mercedes-Benz.io

GDPR's posture strongly aligns with Mercedes-Benz.io’s core values, such as:

• Tribe: diversity is at our core, something that GDPR puts in the forefront as worthy of extra protection.
• Collaboration is embedded in our inner compass, as we work with integrity and transparency as priorities — the same way GDPR imposes transparency when dealing with personal data.
• Impact: We create a change for the better, positively impacting the environment around us, while being accountable and committed to doing what's right — just like GDPR demands responsible data governance.
• Customer-Centricity: Just as GDPR puts people at the center, Mercedes-Benz.io ensures that our customers, MB.ioneers, partners, and all stakeholders are our focus.
• Excellence: For a more secure, transparent, and empowered digital world, GDPR stands as a beacon. At Mercedes-Benz.io, we strive for excellence by embedding privacy by design and privacy by default into our products and initiatives.

Beyond Compliance: A Shared Responsibility

More than mere compliance, we take pride in acting in favor of individual rights and freedoms.

Join us in honouring and celebrating this milestone, and in continuing the vital work of safeguarding our personal data and digital freedoms.