In what year was the General Data Protection Regulation formally adopted?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was formally adopted in 2016. This regulation was a significant milestone in data protection laws across Europe, aimed at enhancing individuals' control over their personal data. The formal adoption marked the beginning of a transition period leading up to its enforcement in 2018, during which businesses and organizations had to prepare to comply with the new regulations.

The timeline is crucial in understanding the GDPR’s implications. Following its adoption in 2016, there was a two-year period for member states and organizations to align their practices with the new legal framework, culminating in the regulation coming into effect in May 2018. This institutional timeline reinforces the necessity for businesses to adapt to enhanced privacy standards, which are still relevant in discussions around data protection today.