The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a newer European Union (EU) data protection law that came into effect on May 25, 2018. The GDPR replaces the 1995 EU Data Protection Directive. It strengthens EU data protection rules by giving individuals more control over their personal data and establishing new rights for individuals.
The GDPR means a lot of different things for companies of all sizes. For example, if your business collects data, you’ll need GDPR-compliant web analytics to ensure your company is compliant with these regulations.
Today, we’ll explore the GDPR in more detail while diving into the various things it means for your company. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about the GDPR.
What is the GDPR?
As we’ve mentioned, the GDPR strengthens EU data protection rules. However, there is more that goes into this data protection regulation.
The GDPR applies to any company that processes the personal data of individuals in the EU, regardless of where the company’s located. Companies that process the personal data of EU individuals must comply with the GDPR unless they can demonstrate that they meet certain conditions.
The GDPR requires companies to get explicit consent from individuals before collecting, using, or sharing their personal data. Companies must also provide individuals with clear and concise information about their rights under the GDPR, and ensure that individuals can easily exercise their rights.
The GDPR imposes significant fines for companies that violate its provisions, including up to four percent of a company’s global annual revenue or €20 million, whichever is greater. The GDPR also gives individuals the right to file a complaint with the supervisory authority if they believe their rights have been violated.
What does the GDPR mean for your company?
The GDPR establishes an updated set of rules regarding consumer data in the EU. Below, we’ll take a closer look at what this means for your business.
Utilize GDPR-Compliant Analytics
A GDPR-compliant analytics platform is essential for businesses that want to ensure they’re compliant with GDPR. Such a platform enables businesses to keep track of how they’re using personal data and to ensure that they’re using it in accordance with GDPR requirements.
A GDPR-compliant analytics platform also enables businesses to conduct data audits, identify and resolve any compliance issues, and generate detailed reports on their data processing activities.
If your company is not yet using a web analytics platform that’s compliant with the GDPR, now is the time to invest in one. Doing so will help you ensure that your business is in compliance with GDPR and protect yourself from expensive fines.
Take Steps To Protect User Data
Another thing the GDPR requires is that you take steps to protect user data from accidental or unauthorized access, destruction, alteration, or unauthorized use. So what does that mean for your company?
Well, it means you’ll need to put in place appropriate security measures to protect user data. These measures could include things like firewalls, encryption, and access controls. It’s also crucial to make sure that your employees are trained on how to protect user data and that they understand the importance of doing so.
Another thing you’ll need to do is develop a data retention and destruction policy. This policy should outline how long you plan to store user data and what will happen to it once it’s no longer needed. You’ll also need to develop a policy for responding to data breaches. This policy should outline what steps you’ll take to investigate and report a data breach, as well as what steps you’ll take to protect user data.
Ensure that your company is compliant with the GDPR.
Now that you know more about the GDPR and what it means for your company, you can take the necessary steps to ensure compliance. Remember to utilize a web analytics platform that’s compliant with the GDPR and take steps to protect your users’ data.
