The preparations for the application of the GDPR have come to its final phase, since the Regulation is directly applicable in all EU Member States from May 25. Despite the fact that the Regulation will soon become part of the daily practice, there are still many misunderstandings and myths concerning the application and interpretation of the GDPR. I attempt to dispel some of the most common misbeliefs below.
1. The Regulation will enter into force on May 25, 2018, and we can start the preparation for its application after its entry into force
Actually, the GDPR has been in effect since May 2016. It becomes applicable on 25 May this year, i.e. the two-year period for the preparation expires. Accordingly, no further period of time is available for the preparation. From then on, the GDPR "goes live" and any further preparation activities can only be carried out under the GDPR-regime.