A breach, or violation, occurs when an individual or entity fails to uphold a legal or ethical obligation. This can involve breaking laws, regulations, or contractual agreements, leading to potential consequences such as penalties or legal action. Breaches can happen in various contexts, including data privacy, contract law, and environmental regulations. In the context of data privacy, a breach may involve unauthorized access to sensitive information, compromising the security of personal data. Organizations are often required to implement measures to protect this data and notify affected individuals in the event of a breach, as mandated by laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).