The General Data Protection Regulation protects European (GDPR) citizens’ data. This forces organisations to ensure measures are in place to uphold the safeguard of this data if they are hosting, exchanging or transacting with it. The regulation also requires organisations who collect data to provide a portal where users see what data is collected about them and to disclose what they collect should the individual ask. It also comes with hefty fines in the event of data breach.
One unanticipated result is that a significant number of website outlets have decided to just bring the shutters down on visitors from European Union to avoid penalties. They blocked users connecting from Europe Union rather than comply with regulatory requirements. Why is that you may ask? They simply either cannot effort the additional cost or may not guarantee compliance to GDPR.