What does the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA) establish?

The Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA) establishes a UK framework for data protection aimed at regulating the processing of personal data. It serves to protect individuals' rights and ensures that their personal information is handled with care and respect. The DPA complements the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which was enacted across Europe, but it specifically tailors the regulations to fit the UK's legal environment.

The Act outlines the responsibilities of organizations that process personal data, setting forth rules they must follow to safeguard that data and respect the privacy rights of individuals. This encompasses various aspects including obtaining consent for data collection, ensuring data security, allowing individuals to access their data, and providing avenues for recourse in the event of a data breach.

The other options do not accurately reflect the purpose of the DPA. A framework for digital commerce refers to regulations regarding electronic transactions and trade, rather than personal data protection. An international trade agreement pertains to legal contracts between countries regarding trade practices and does not cover data privacy issues specifically. A privacy policy for social media would be a specific document created by individual companies to address their handling of data, but the DPA regulates a much broader and comprehensive framework concerning data protection across various industries.