How does Bitcoin comply to GDPR Update: This related question focusses on users own data. My question is mostly asked from the perspective where a person may enter someone elses personal data, like someones sexual preference.

In the data world GDPR is currently a very hot topic:

personal data must be protected and not retained too long.

For normal companies and systems it is already very difficult to meet the letter of the regulation in practice, however I image that for bitcoin it is even challenging on a much deeper level. Two core principles:

Data must be visible by all
The full history must be preserved

This brings me to a question:
How does Bitcoin respond to the introduction of GDPR?

And as bonus question:
What does this mean for other blockchain applications (like corporate concepts, not specifically for currencies)
How does Bitcoin respond to the introduction of GDPR?



Bitcoin is not a person or legal entity that is subject to law. Only people or businesses using bitcoin have to comply with GDPR.
So far as I know, storage of personal information is not a part of the specifications of the protocols or algorithms that comprise Bitcoin.
Specific pieces of software might allow you to store personal information. For example, wallet software might enable you to keep a list of people, addresses of their bitcoin wallets and your text notes about them. The users are responsible for complying with GDPR. The software writers are only responsible for enabling this compliance (e.g. providing a delete function or something else GDPR compliance needs). The prime reposbility is with the user, if the software they use cannot be used in a way that complies with GDPR they must find other software.