The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) takes effect 25 May. Because Rotary staff members process the personal data of our European members, Rotaractors, program participants, and others, we’re obligated to comply with this new data privacy law.

We know you trust Rotary to respect your privacy and protect your information, and we take this responsibility seriously. That’s why we’re using this opportunity to reinforce our data privacy and security methods for anyone who shares personal information with Rotary — no matter where they live.

Here is what you need to know about GDPR.

What is the General Data Protection Regulation?

GDPR is a new European Union law that strengthens data protection rules for EU residents. The law applies to all companies that process data within the EU but also to foreign organizations, like Rotary International, that offer goods and services to EU residents. The law takes effect 25 May and replaces the EU’s 1995 Data Protection Directive.

What does GDPR mean for me?

Rotary is applying these new standards globally, not just for our European constituents. So no matter where you live, if Rotary processes your personal data, you will have the following rights:

• Right to be informed: Rotary will regularly disclose to you what personal data we collect and for what purpose.
• Right to object: You can tell us if you no longer want your personal data to be processed in a certain way, such as for direct marketing.
• Right to rectification: You can write us at data@rotary.org to correct errors in your personal data.