GDPR Causes Internet Chaos

GDPR has caused chaos as internet-connected devices failed to function on Friday.

14:07 01 June 2018

The new Europe-wide data law called General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has taken effect on 25 May. The new law seeks to protect the digital rights of EU citizens through stricter data laws and greater oversight of how companies manage people’s personal information.

 

On Friday, people using internet-connected devices have found themselves with updated terms of use, which they have to read and agree to before they are able to make their smart appliances resume working. However, some smart lights, including Yeelight, no longer functioned as a result of GDPR compliance. Some smart bulbs, on the other hand, were still functional but their other features no longer worked.

 

Some websites were also affected. Their failure to adequately prepare for the introduction of GDPR caused their sites to become inaccessible to visitors in the EU.

 

"Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in most European countries," states a message greeting visitors to The LA Times.

 

"We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to the EU market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism."