What Europe's tough new data law means for you, and the internet

In a couple of weeks, Europe will introduce some of the toughest online privacy rules in the world. The changes are aimed at giving internet users more control over what’s collected and shared about them, and they punish companies that don’t comply. Here’s what it means for you.

What Are the New Rules?

On May 25, a new law called the General Data Protection Regulation goes into effect across the European Union. The law strengthens individual privacy rights and, more important, it has teeth. Companies can be fined up to 4 percent of global revenue — equivalent to about $1.6 billion for Facebook.

Will the internet look different?

Not really. Supporters of the law say it will bring sweeping changes to how companies operate online, but in reality, the effect on your internet experience will be minimal. If you live in one of the European Union’s 28 member states, there is one change you may welcome — you are likely to see fewer of those shoe or appliance ads that follow you around the internet after you do some online shopping.

What Are Your Rights?

Even if you don’t notice big changes, the new law provides important privacy rights worth knowing about. For instance, you can ask companies what information they hold about you, and then request that it be deleted. You can even ask your employer. And if you suspect your information is being misused or collected unnecessarily, you can complain to your national data protection regulator, which must investigate.

Will It Make a Difference?

It’s too soon to tell. That may be an unsatisfactory answer, but the long-term effects of the new law won’t be known for years.

©2018 The New York Times News Service