Which regulatory body is primarily associated with data protection and privacy in the cloud?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is primarily associated with data protection and privacy in the cloud, particularly within the European Union. It represents a significant regulatory framework that governs the processing of personal data of individuals in the EU and the European Economic Area. GDPR establishes stringent requirements for consent, data handling, and individual rights, making it a crucial consideration for organizations utilizing cloud services that handle personal information.

The regulation requires that data controllers and processors implement adequate measures to protect personal data and ensure compliance with rights such as data access, rectification, and deletion. Its broad scope means it affects any entity that processes personal data of EU citizens, regardless of where the data processing occurs, which includes various cloud service providers and their customers.

In contrast, the other options are associated with different aspects of regulation and compliance. The Federal Communications Commission focuses on communications regulation rather than data privacy. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides cybersecurity and technology standards but does not specifically regulate data protection. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) pertains to the protection of health information in the healthcare sector, and while it includes strong privacy measures, its scope is limited compared to the GDPR's comprehensive approach to data privacy across all sectors.