Which regulation focuses on data protection and privacy rights within the EU?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is the primary regulation that governs data protection and privacy rights within the European Union. Enforced since May 2018, GDPR establishes a comprehensive framework that enhances individuals' control over their personal data and restricts how organizations can collect, store, and process this information. It applies to all entities operating within the EU, as well as organizations outside the EU that handle the data of EU residents.

Key aspects of GDPR include stringent consent requirements for data processing, the right for individuals to access their data, the right to be forgotten, and the obligation for organizations to implement adequate security measures to protect personal data. Furthermore, it imposes significant penalties for non-compliance, thereby emphasizing the importance of data protection.

The other options pertain to different jurisdictions and focus on various aspects of data and privacy regulation. For instance, HIPAA specifically relates to healthcare information privacy in the United States, while the CCPA focuses on improving privacy rights for California residents. The Data Protection Act is a key piece of legislation in the UK but is separate from GDPR, which has a broader scope across the EU.