What is GDPR?
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is one of the most significant data protection regulations in the European Union since May 25, 2018. It has transformed the way organizations collect, manage and protect users' personal information, giving citizens more control over their information and establishing a clear framework for how companies should manage such information.
Who is it addressed to?
The GDPR is designed to protect anyone who provides personal data (the “data subjects”). This includes consumers, employees and any individual whose personal information is collected by organisations. It also applies to any organisation (private or public) that handles that data, regardless of their geographic location – meaning its scope extends not only to European companies, but also to those operating outside the EU if they process data of European citizens.
Goals
- Protect privacy and personal data: Ensure that citizens’ rights regarding their data are respected and upheld.
- Promote transparency: Increase the obligation for organizations to be clear about how they use personal data, thereby promoting trust.
- Increase accountability: Require organizations to comply with appropriate regulations and establish measures to demonstrate this compliance.
Main features of the GDPR
We can say that the GDPR focuses on strengthening four key areas of personal data management:
Organizations must obtain explicit consent from individuals to process their data. This requires that it be clear, specific and revocable.
- Right of access: Individuals can request information about the personal data stored about them.
- Right to rectification: You may request that your data be corrected if it is inaccurate.
- Right to be forgotten: Allows individuals to request the deletion of their personal data in certain circumstances.
- Right to portability: Individuals can request that their data be transferred from one organization to another.
Organizations must notify authorities and affected data subjects in the event of a data breach that may compromise their rights.
In the case of data processing that presents a high risk, organizations must carry out an impact analysis to assess how that data is being used.
How to comply with the GDPR
Complying with the GDPR involves multiple steps, including:
Audit current data
Know what data is collected, how it is used and where it is stored.
Update privacy policies
Ensure policies are understandable and align with GDPR requirements.
Staff training
Train employees on data protection regulations and best practices.
Establish consent processes
Ensure that the process for obtaining and managing consent is clear and accessible.
Appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO)
In certain cases, organizations must appoint a DPO responsible for overseeing GDPR compliance.
The GDPR brings with it a set of requirements that organisations must comply with. Failing to comply with these obligations can lead to heavy penalties, which can amount to 4% of global annual turnover or €20 million, whichever is greater. This underlines the importance of adopting integrated and systematic measures to comply with the regulations.
GDPR is not just a regulatory framework; it is an opportunity for organisations to strengthen their performance and reputation by demonstrating a genuine commitment to data protection. GDPR compliance not only avoids penalties, but also builds trust among users and boosts customer loyalty in an environment where so many companies are competing for market share.
