What is the GDPR deadline?
Everyone’s talking about General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). If you’re all over this, you’ll know that companies need to adhere to a new set of standards designed to strengthen the control individuals have over their personal data.
GDPR makes data protection rules more or less identical throughout the EU. Yes, that’s the EU we’ve opted to leave, but for the time being, this is legislation that all UK businesses must adhere to. And the GDPR deadline is fast approaching – it will apply from 25 May 2018 for all EU Member states.
If you’re one of our Members, please look out for a communication from us nearer the time.
You will have to explicitly opt in to state that you agree to being spoken to and on behalf of. We will need your permission to do this, as required by these new data protection rules.
Why all these General Data Protection Regulation changes?
Firstly, the EU wants to give people more control over how their personal data is used, bearing in mind that many companies like Facebook and Google swap access to people’s data for use of their services.
The GDPR deadline will bring tougher fines for non-compliance and breaches, and gives people more say over what companies can do with their data.
The current legislation was enacted before the internet and cloud technology created new ways of exploiting data, and the GDPR seeks to address that. By strengthening data protection legislation and introducing tougher enforcement measures, the EU hopes to improve trust in the emerging digital economy.
Sounds good in theory, but like any change, everyone needs to get on board to implement the updates as smoothly as possible.
Streamlining the rules of data protection
Secondly, the EU wants to give businesses a simpler, clearer legal environment in which to operate, making data protection law identical throughout the single market (the EU estimates this will save businesses a collective €2.3 billion a year).
GDPR also affects how internal data for employees is stored and processed – an important aspect not to overlook.
Like most businesses around the UK, at Ten2Two we’re busy preparing for GDPR but, of course, this is work on top of the usual load. If, like us, you could do with an extra pair of hands to help you get ready for GDPR, why not think about a part-time or flexible worker on a contract basis to ease the burden.
Get in touch today – we’d be happy to help you find the right person for the job.
