The document discusses the significant impacts and challenges posed by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on businesses, highlighting the need for extensive compliance measures that could cost Fortune 500 companies nearly $8 billion. It outlines key obligations such as appointing a Data Protection Officer, ensuring data security, and implementing new rights for data subjects, as well as the journey towards compliance over a two-year period. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of data governance and the strategic advantages of effective data management.