BRUSSELS, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission on Wednesday published a guidance on new data protection rules across the European Union (EU) and launched an online tool dedicated to small and medium size enterprises (SMEs).

The guidance recalls the main innovations and opportunities opened up by the new rules, which will come into effect on May 25.

The general data protection regulation enables the free flow of data across the digital single market. The main focus is one set of rules across the Europe; same rules apply to all companies offering services in the EU; stronger and new rights for citizens; stronger protection against data breaches; and rules with teeth and deterrent fines.

At the same time, the online tool helps European citizens, businesses, in particular SMEs, and other organizations to comply and benefit from the new data protection rules. The tool is important because knowledge of the benefits and opportunities brought by the new rules is not evenly spread, said the Commission.

According to the Commission, from May 2018, it will monitor how member states apply the new rules and will take appropriate action as necessary.