I guess the difference is that GDPR is new and had a bunch of of reporting about it recently. Few people stop to consult a lawyer before starting a side-project

I guess the difference is that GDPR is new and had a bunch of of reporting about it recently. Few people stop to consult a lawyer before starting a side-project, probably because they wouldn't start a project that would violate any laws they're aware of. Of course there can always be laws you aren't aware of, but those only become scary once you realize you may have violated them.