GDPR 2025: What Manufacturers Must Know

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a law that sets rules for how personal information is collected and handled. It applies to all 27 European Union (EU) countries, as well as Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Additionally, any company worldwide that deals with the personal data of people in these countries must follow GDPR rules.

In the manufacturing sector, GDPR compliance is essential due to the extensive handling of personal data from employees, suppliers, and customers. As manufacturers adopt digital technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), they collect and process increasing amounts of personal information. For instance, IoT devices may gather data related to employee activities or supplier interactions, all of which are protected under GDPR. Ensuring this data is collected, stored, and processed in accordance with GDPR principles is crucial to protect individual privacy and avoid significant penalties.

Expanded Scope and Stricter Consent Requirements

In 2025, GDPR has been updated to cover a wider range of data processing activities, impacting manufacturers regardless of their location. This includes personal data from employees, customers, suppliers, and subcontractors. The consent requirements have also become stricter, requiring explicit, affirmative agreements for data processing. Manufacturers must ensure that consent is specific to each activity and that withdrawing consent is as simple as granting it. Detailed records of consent acquisition are also mandatory.

Enhanced Data Subject Rights

Individuals now have greater control over their personal data, including:

• The right to object to automated decision-making

• Improved data portability across platforms

• Stricter timelines for data erasure requests

Manufacturers must implement systems to address these rights efficiently and ensure compliance with updated regulations.

AI and Machine Learning Compliance

With AI and machine learning playing an increasing role in manufacturing, GDPR now includes specific provisions to regulate these technologies. Key compliance requirements include:

1. Explainability: AI-driven decisions must be transparent and understandable.

2. Fairness: AI systems should be free from discrimination and bias.

3. Human Oversight: Critical decisions require human intervention to prevent unethical outcomes.

4. Data Minimization: Only essential data should be used in AI training processes.

These measures promote ethical AI practices and protect individual rights in automated processes.

Increased Penalties and Enforcement

Non-compliance with GDPR in 2025 carries higher fines, reaching up to 6% of global annual turnover or €30 million, whichever is higher. Regulatory bodies are actively auditing companies, making it imperative for manufacturers to prioritize data protection efforts.

Why Manufacturers Must Align with GDPR

For manufacturers implementing digital solutions, aligning with GDPR is essential for several reasons:

• Supply Chain Data Protection: Digital transformation connects supply chains, making robust data protection necessary across all interactions.

• IoT and Smart Manufacturing: As IoT devices collect data, manufacturers must comply with GDPR’s data minimization and security principles.

• Employee and Partner Data: Managing personal data from employees, contractors, and partners requires adherence to enhanced GDPR regulations.

By ensuring GDPR compliance, manufacturers not only meet legal obligations but also build trust with stakeholders, mitigate data breach risks, and strengthen their competitive edge in a data-driven market.

About MDCplus

Our key features are real-time machine monitoring for swift issue resolution, power consumption tracking to promote sustainability, computerized maintenance management to reduce downtime, and vibration diagnostics for predictive maintenance. MDCplus's solutions are tailored for diverse industries, including aerospace, automotive, precision machining, and heavy industry. By delivering actionable insights and fostering seamless integration, we empower manufacturers to boost Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reduce operational costs, and achieve sustainable growth along with future planning.