When did GDPR regulations come into force in the EU?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) officially came into force on 25 May 2018. This regulation was designed to enhance individuals' control over their personal data and streamline data privacy laws across Europe, replacing the Data Protection Directive from 1995. Although the regulation was adopted in April 2016, there was a two-year transition period for organizations to prepare for compliance, culminating in the enforcement date of May 2018. Understanding this timeline is crucial for grasping how data protection practices have evolved and the importance of compliance in the context of payments and personal data handling in various transactions.