Summary: The text discusses the implementation of the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on May 25, 2018, which aims to protect the personal data of EU citizens and give them more control over how their data is used by companies. It highlights how companies worldwide have been forced to comply with the regulation or face significant fines. Despite initial challenges faced by businesses in adapting to the new regulations, the GDPR has been successful in increasing awareness about data protection and privacy issues among both consumers and companies. The text also mentions the importance of transparency, accountability, and data security in ensuring compliance with the GDPR, and emphasizes the need for ongoing efforts to maintain data protection standards in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.