What does the European Union Data Protection Directive primarily aim to protect?

The European Union Data Protection Directive primarily aims to protect individual privacy and personal data. This directive serves as a fundamental framework for the collection, processing, and storage of personal information within the EU, ensuring that individuals have control over their personal data. It emphasizes the importance of obtaining informed consent from individuals before their data can be processed and mandates that organizations take appropriate measures to safeguard this data against breaches and misuse.

This focus on individual privacy reflects a commitment to uphold human dignity and personal autonomy in the digital age, addressing growing concerns about how personal information is used in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. By establishing clear rights for individuals concerning their personal data, the directive promotes transparency, accountability, and trust between individuals and organizations that handle their information.