EN
Insights
One of the most prevalent concerns of citizens around the world regarding the internet is user privacy, and there are many laws that seek to protect people’s rights. One of the most notable and comprehensive rules that safeguard user privacy to date is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which the European Parliament adopted in April 2016.
The GDPR continues to operate in the UK and provides users with control over their personal information. Failure to comply with this regulation can cause serious harm to your company. You’ll have to pay expensive legal costs and fines, and there’s also the need to recover from bad PR due to mishandling of data.
Businesses that handle the personal data of EU and UK citizens must always ensure data compliance, but many are lost as to how to do so. With this, here’s a quick guide on what to do to keep up with the requirements:
Identify and Record Data
Organisations must adequately investigate the data they store. It’s best to thoroughly identify and document where the company holds them, how the information is used, and who has access to the system from the time of collection to erasure. It’s the least that a business can do, but it’s still essential to GDPR compliance.
Focus on Data Privacy Design
Privacy design is essential in data compliance because systems need innate and default protection against cyberattacks and information breaches. Performing regular assessments in all processes will also ensure enhanced security. Data controllers must keep stringent audits detailing transfers and activities involving personal data.
Don’t Forget User Consent
Because the GDPR values giving users control over how their data will be collected, stored, and processed, businesses must gain their informed consent before gathering their personal information.
The data must also have an expiration date, and the site must provide users with the option to have their personal information deleted from the database. By choosing to withdraw their details, they can override the data controller’s rights.
Appoint a Data Protection Officer
For organisations with more than ten to 15 employees that keep and monitor personal data, it’s necessary to appoint a data protection officer (DPO). This person is responsible for ensuring data compliance and acts as a contact point for clients, business partners, consumers, and the data protection authority (DPA). Having a DPO is more than just complying with legal requirements—it’s also beneficial in providing companies with GDPR expertise for internal operations.
Plan Procedures for Handling Data Breaches
All organisations must devise plans for detecting, assessing, and reporting data breaches. Cyberattacks can happen to anyone, and businesses must set up proper responses in case of an attack. Data breach testing is crucial in evaluating all procedures and ensuring safety systems are working properly.
Should a data breach occur, organisations must report it to regulatory authorities within 72 hours. The GDPR also requires them to immediately notify individuals whose personal information had been compromised.
The Takeaway
GDPR compliance is essential for any business holding the personal data of individuals and organisations within the EU and the UK. By keeping this guide in mind, you can better protect your users’ information against breaches and leaks. Moreover, you’ll uphold your company’s reputation and save yourself from hefty fines and legal obligations. Of course, ensuring privacy and protection is easier with the help of experts and advanced software.
If you’re looking for GDPR compliance consulting in Switzerland and Germany, Scaramanga has you covered. We’ll provide you with expert advice and consultancy to help you protect and manage your data and comply with stringent regulations. Contact us today to learn more!