GDPR – the recent buzz topic in the business world. How does it affect you? It depends on the business industry you are in, but it most likely does not affect you. It still doesn’t hurt to take the proper simple precautions to comply.
First, what is GDPR?
GDPR is the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (“EU-GDPR”). Its purpose according to the GDPR portal is to “harmonize data privacy laws across Europe, to protect and empower all EU citizens data privacy and to reshape the way organizations across the region approach data privacy.” The GDPR law was approved in April of 2016 and has taken effect as of May 5th, 2018.
What actions should you have taken to comply?
The terms to comply with are nothing too complex. Simply update your Privacy Policy on your website and/or emailing platforms to explain the following in clear, plain language:
- What Information you collect
- What you do with the collected data and how it is protected
- Review your consent forms and if necessary update to clearly reflect that the granting of consent of the terms is unambiguous and that the user does have the right to be forgotten
Examples of industries that should have taken serious action before May 25th, 2018 are industries that market to and do business with customers residing in the EU. Some industries that come to mind are; any E-Commerce Sites, Travel Resorts and Higher Education as often they are targeting a broad range of demographics to visit their facility or to purchase their products.
What happens if a tourist from the EU is in the Black Hills and buys my product? Don’t fret, the EU citizen must be residing in EU for the GDPR law to take effect. Plus, if you take the proper precautions above, you have nothing to worry about.
Have more questions? Reach out to Bree@midwestmarketingllc.com
