The European Union (EU) has been at the forefront of global efforts to protect privacy and personal data. Over the years, the EU has implemented several initiatives and regulations that aim to safeguard the privacy rights of its citizens. The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) has created a timeline of key dates for these EU regulations and initiatives, including those that are yet to be finalized.

Here are the key dates to watch out for the year 2024 and beyond:

• February 17, 2024: The Digital Services Act (DSA), which aims to establish clear rules for online platforms and strengthen online consumer protection, will become applicable
• Spring 2024: The AI Act is expected to be adopted
• Mid-2024: The Data Act is expected to enter into force
• October 18, 2024: The NIS2 directive will become applicable
• January 17, 2025: The DORA regulation will become applicable

In conclusion, the EU’s data initiatives are set to undergo significant changes in the coming years with the implementation of regulations like the DSA, AI Act, Data Act, NIS2 directive, and DORA regulation. These initiatives aim to establish clear rules for online platforms, strengthen online consumer protection, facilitate data sharing, and more. It is crucial for organizations, including individuals, to stay up-to-date with these key dates to ensure compliance with the new regulations and to take advantage of the opportunities they present.

For a more detailed overview of the EU’s data initiatives and their key dates, check out the infographic created by the IAPP here.