On November 29, 2024, the European Union formally approved the Digital Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), a landmark piece of legislation designed to tighten online privacy protections and regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) across the continent. The law is set to reshape how tech companies gather and use data, offering EU citizens unprecedented control over their personal information in the digital age.
Strengthening Privacy in the Digital Age
The Digital Privacy Protection Act introduces strict requirements for data collection transparency, requiring companies to disclose exactly how and why user data is being collected and used. Under the new law, tech companies will need to obtain explicit consent from users before collecting data, and users will have the right to withdraw consent at any time. The law also mandates that AI algorithms must be transparent, with companies required to explain how their algorithms make decisions that affect users.
One of the most notable provisions of the DPPA is the right to digital “self-determination,” allowing individuals to request that their data be erased from all platforms. The legislation also establishes a new regulatory body tasked with overseeing compliance and imposing fines on companies that fail to meet the new standards. These measures are aimed at addressing widespread concerns over data breaches, misuse of personal information, and the growing power of tech giants in the digital space.
While privacy advocates have hailed the law as a breakthrough, tech industry representatives have raised concerns about its potential to stifle innovation and increase compliance costs. Some fear that smaller companies may struggle to meet the new requirements. Nevertheless, the Digital Privacy Protection Act is seen as a bold move in the global effort to establish stronger digital privacy norms, setting an example for other nations considering similar regulations.
