What is the highest penalty for breaching EU data protection laws?

The highest penalty for breaching EU data protection laws, specifically under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), is indeed 4% of annual turnover or €20 million, whichever is higher. This significant penalty framework is designed to encourage organizations to comply with stringent data protection regulations to protect the rights and privacy of individuals within the EU.

The rationale behind this high penalty is to serve as a deterrent against negligence in data handling, ensuring that companies take their data protection responsibilities seriously. The inclusion of both a percentage of annual turnover and a fixed monetary amount allows for flexibility, as it can adapt to the size and financial capabilities of organizations, thereby ensuring that penalties remain impactful regardless of a company’s revenue.

This reflects the EU's commitment to enforcing robust data privacy standards and emphasizes accountability for businesses that mishandle personal data. In contrast, the other options, which suggest lower percentages or amounts, do not align with the regulations set forth by GDPR, thus reinforcing the validity of the chosen answer.