The way personal data are stored, processed and distributed on the internet is one of the most debated topics today. Following scandals such as the Cambridge Analytica, in which data from millions of Facebook users have been leaked to a private company, discussions around the globe are in the pipeline to regulate the use of personal data on the Internet – more recently GDPR.

But did you know that all this can generate a great opportunity for the lawyer? The legal professional who specializes in Digital Law and who really study in depth the new legislation on data will have a whole new promising branch to act.

What is GDPR?

Briefly, GDPR is a European Union law that entered into force on May 25, 2018. Its purpose is to protect the personal data of citizens residing or present in the participating countries of the EU.

The GDPR establishes a set of obligations that companies must follow on how people’s data are stored and processed, otherwise a heavy fine for those who fail to comply with any of these obligations. It also empowers national data protection agencies.

The new law, although only applicable in the European Union, had a global impact. Many of the big multinationals (like Google, for example) have chosen to change their terms of use globally instead of just in Europe, which would be technically unfeasible. And around the globe, many other countries are already starting to get inspired by the GDPR example and to discuss legislation on the processing of personal data.

The opportunities for the modern lawyer

But what does this have to do with legal careers? The lawyer who knows how to prepare will know to see a great opportunity for new cases in the area of ​​Digital Law that will certainly arise with the new discussions about the processing of personal data on the Internet.

To begin with, the increasing relevance of this topic will mean creating case law for such cases, once individuals and companies file actions involving the use of their personal data. The lawyer who has studied such topics will be a pioneer in such actions.

In addition, one of the most promising areas for the future of the legal world is the so-called Right of Startups. As mentioned above, companies that may also be active in the European Union will also need to adapt – and, as they say, the internet has no borders, so that means that many technology companies can not fail to comply with GDPR rules.

The lawyer who is prepared and thoroughly aware of the GDPR legislation can offer his services to startups who need to adapt, such as online stores that sell to other countries, for example. Thus, the legal professional can help companies to ensure that they comply with what GDPR requires and therefore avoid problems with the authorities of the European Union.

Anyway, discussions about the use of personal data will not stop, quite the contrary. As they gain in relevance, new and better opportunities for the Digital Age lawyer will surely emerge.

Source: Juris Correspondente