What significant change occurred with the EU Data Protection Directive in 2018?

In 2018, the EU Data Protection Directive, which had provided a framework for data protection in the European Union since 1995, was replaced by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The GDPR introduced several significant changes and enhancements to data protection laws, including greater individual rights, stricter consent requirements, expanded territorial scope, and increased penalties for non-compliance.

The replacement of the Directive with the GDPR marked a shift towards more robust data protection standards that aimed to harmonize laws across EU member states, ensuring that protection measures were consistent. This legislative change was crucial for adapting to the digital age, where data collection and processing are prevalent, thereby strengthening individuals' privacy rights and enhancing their control over personal data.

The other options do not accurately represent the change that occurred; for instance, the Directive was not simply reformed into a new policy framework, nor was it extended indefinitely or downgraded in effectiveness. Instead, it was a complete replacement that established a more comprehensive and enforceable set of regulations for data protection.