The European privacy policy observed the biggest transformation in the last two decades. Nowadays we create massive amounts of digital information every single day from cellphones to smartwatches; apparently, the data we collect can easily reveal our personal information and identity.

In the current scenario, laws that control our personal information are no longer worthwhile. The result is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which entered into force on 25 May 2018.

It changed the way corporates and organizations in the public sector deal with information from customers. This new data protection regulations all set to write a winning note for consumers and the task of complying with this regulation falls upon businesses, organizations, and GDPR Compliance solutions providers

Lets Understand in brief what GDPR directed to businesses and organizations.

What is the GDPR?

GDPR refers to the General Data Protection Regulation. Now what we see in general is that data gets a list, it gets stolen, it even reaches those people who should have never seen it. So, how to avoid all of this and more. GDPR seems to be the best solution. GDPR is basically a data protection regulation which aims to fortify data protection for people living within European Union nations. On 25th of May 2018, GDPR became mandatory.

The main objective of GDPR

  • To offer people a higher level of control over their personal data
  • To help safeguard personal data from the danger of loss
  • To have uniform regulatory privacy as well as data requirements within the European Union.

Now, all this seems to be extremely beneficial for the individuals and minimizes the chances of data misuse. It has become fundamental for any organization which runs its business within the EU to fully understand and implement the overall design of GDPR.

This new legislation has come up as a blow in the face of privacy invaders. As per the guidelines of GDPR, the organizations will have to make certain that all types of personal data are collected as per legal rules as well as under stringent conditions.

Also, those who are responsible for data collection, as well as management, will be under obligation to safeguard the same from any kind of misuse and exploitation. They have to pay proper respect to the rights of the data owners. In case they fail to do the same they will be charged with face penalties for the same.  

  • GDPR is applicable to any company which runs within EU.
  • It is applicable to all organizations outside EU but which offer goods or services to users or businesses present within EU.

So, any company whether it directly operates within EU or has any kind of business within EU will have to comply with GDPR guidelines, lest it should be ready to face the circumstances. 

GDPR Compliance Solutions

There are basically two kinds of data-handlers to whom this legislation is applicable on:

  1. Processors
  2. Controllers

The definition of both of these has been given in Article 4 of the General Data Protection Regulation.

A controller is an individual, any public authority, agency or any other body which, either alone or along with others, decides on aim and ways of processing of the personal data of any person.

The Processor, on the other hand, is a person, public agency, authority or any other body which processes the personal data of any individual on behalf of the controller”.

If you are currently subject to the UK’s Data Protection Act, for example, it’s likely you will have to look at GDPR compliance solutions too. GDPR eventually puts legal obligations on a processor to keep a record of personal data of an individual and how the same is processed, leading to a much-elevated level of legal liability if any kind of privacy breach happens.

Controllers need to make sure that all kinds of contracts with the processors are in due observance of GDPR.

When did GDPR become applicable?

GDPR became applicable to all European Union nations beginning from 25th May 2018. All the member nations have incorporated it into their national law from 6th of May. GDPR has received approval of the European Parliament in April 2016. All the regulations mentioned in the directive have been published in the official languages of the EU in May 2016.

Need for GDPR Compliance Solutions

In present times technology has penetrated every conceivable domain. Nobody could have made a prediction regarding the reach of the Internet and Smartphones. In fact, social media mobile apps like Facebook and Twitter have led to worldwide implications on privacy matters.

Now, this GDPR endorses a standardized data security law across the whole European Union. Every country which forms part of EU will no longer have to create its own legislation with respect to data security; GDPR will serve as the main law. Nevertheless, EU countries can still exercise control over certain kinds of data like health data.

GDPR implications for the business community

GDPR seeks to establish one common law regarding privacy in EU member states. By doing so EU ensures that the reach of this legislation extends beyond borders of Europe because any international organization which is based outside the EU but has activity on ‘European soil’ will have to comply with it.

GDPR European Commission asserts that common law will lead to simpler as well as cheaper means to conduct business. So, in totality business community will end up saving 2.3 billion annually.

This will also propel innovation and the creation of more business opportunities. Due to GDPR, data protection safeguards will be incorporated into the products and GDPR compliance services right from the beginning stages of development, thus offering ‘data protection by design’ in all new products which are yet to be launched. Techniques such as ‘pseudonymization’ will become common.

The task of complying with this new data protection regulation falls upon businesses, organizations, and GDPR Compliance software solutions.

GDPR implications for consumers/citizens

Due to a huge amount of data breaches as well as hacks, security concerns regarding personal data has become skyrocketing — be it your email address, social security number, bank password or even private health records everything has become open on the internet.

One of the key things which GDPR ensures is that consumers will obtain a right to know whether their personal data has been hacked. Organizations will have to notify the chosen national bodies if any hack happens so that EU citizens can take suitable measures to avert their data from any kind of misuse.

So, basically, GDPR seems to be good legislation for the EU citizens/consumers. Consumers will also have convenient access to their personal data regarding terms of how the same is processed, in case organizations tell them that they require their personal data. So, the entire process will be totally transparent.

Preparing for the GDPR Compliance Solutions: Steps you should Follow

GDPR law is applicable to all business organizations which gather and handle private data that belongs to or has implications on people residing within the European Union. There is every reason to be scared of this law as a failure to comply can lead to serious implications.

gdpr compliance services

So, all companies with operations in the EU or any website or app which collects as well as processes European Union citizen data needs to be wary of GDPR. Prime areas of legislation encompass privacy rights, data control, data security, and governance. The only good thing is that the law which will be applicable to all 28 European Union member states will be the same, this means they will have to act in accordance with one standard law.

Now, the main concern is that law is very stringent so most of the companies will have to put in significant sums of money in order to become GDPR compliant.

Effects of GDPR Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with GDPR can lead to a fine of a huge sum of money. In case any company is found guilty of a breach which compromises data of any EU citizen, the penalty can be as high as 20 million euros or 4% of the enterprise’s global revenue, whichever is larger. This is a huge sum by any parameters, in short even for a minor breach, the company could end up paying millions of bucks.

Apart from this, two key issues are eye-catching: the company which is at fault needs to notify European Union authorities within 72 hours of the breach, and also to prove that its security approach is up to date.

What is mandated by GDPR?

As all requirements with respect to GDPR have not been finalized as yet, some companies have taken to a wait-and-see approach. Mentioned below are some of the obligations which are being introduced by GDPR regulation:

1. Data Control

In order to uphold privacy of the subjects, organizations need to:

  • Process data only for purposes which are authorized
  • Make sure data accuracy as well as integrity
  • Curtail disclosure of identities of the subject
  • Carry out several data security actions.

2. Data Security

Data security is actually a part of data control. GDPR places security at the service of privacy. In order to uphold the privacy of the subject, organizations should put into practice:

  • Safeguards so as to keep data for supplementary processing
  • By default data protection measures
  • Security as a contractual requirement, on the basis of risk assessment as well as encryption

3. Right to Erasure

Companies cannot keep data of the subjects for an indefinite period. GDPR necessitates companies to fully erase data from all repositories when:

  • Data subjects take back their consent
  • Partner organization demands data deletion
  • When a service agreement is near completion

What is important to know, however, is that owners of data do not have carte blanche right for their data to be removed. In case there are legal implications mentioned in regulation, a company can keep hold of and process data of the subject. However, there are certain exceptions to this rule.

4. Minimization of Risk and due Attentiveness

Organizations need to assess any kind of perils to privacy as well as security, and then reveal that they are taking steps to reduce them. This necessitates that they:

  • Carry out a complete risk assessment
  • Put into practice measures to make sure and reveal compliance
  • Proactively assist 3rd-party clients as well as partners to fulfill, and
  • Establish complete data control

5. Breach notification

When any security breach intimidates the rights as well as privacy of data subject, the company has to:

  • Notify the authorities within the span of 72 hours
  • Clearly define the cost of the breach
  • Tell about the breach without any delay to all parties which have been affected

Take the help of GDPR compliance services offered by GDPR compliance solutions provider. Further, you must access Data Protection Commissioner’s (DPC) compliance checklist which clearly mentions what the organizations are supposed to do.

GDPR Compliance Solutions

Mentioned below are some vital points regarding GDPR compliance solutions

1. Need to be accountable

The Regulation incorporates provisions which lead to accountability, therefore Data Protection Commissioner recommends that all organizations must make an inventory of personal data which is under their control and look at it in light of questions mentioned below:

  • Reasons for holding the data
  • How was the data obtained?
  • Why was the data initially collected?
  • How long will you keep the data with you?
  • How secure is the data, as regards encryption as well as accessibility?
  • Have you ever shared the data with third parties, and if you intend to do so, on what basis will such a thing happen?

2. Review of personal privacy rights

Data subjects has several rights linked to the manner in which organizations can collect as well as hold personal data. These encompass:

  • Right to rectification
  • Right to be informed
  • Right to erasure
  • Right to restrict processing of data
  • Right to the portability of data
  • Right to object
  • Finally, the right to access

Most of the rights mentioned above are quite similar to those stated in data protection laws. Having said that few significant changes are being made It is vital to familiarize yourself with the changes which have been there and then plan accordingly.

3. Communication with staff and other service users

It is vital for staff and other service users of the company to be aware of the rights of data subjects. When you are collecting personal data from clients, staff or service users, they need to be informed about their rights.

4. Legal grounds for data processing

Organisations have to establish that they possess legal grounds to process the data. A lot of companies presently make use of consent by default; GDPR has now made strict the rules for obtaining as well as upholding the consent. You must get assistance from the GDPR compliance consulting providers so that no vital point is missed.

Conclusion

GDPR proved to be a milestone in data protection, and forced organizations to respect user privacy. If you need to make sure your private information is safe online, contact Octal IT Solution. We make sure to follow the GDPR compliance solutions in our services.

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THE AUTHOR
Digital Marketing Manager
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Driven by a deep curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, Mann constantly seeks to uncover the latest trends and innovations in the tech industry. His ability to dive into complex concepts and distill them into engaging content sets him apart as a reliable source of information for his readers.

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