For almost everyone, privacy is a paramount concern when signing up for anything on the internet these days. With multiple online threats and the risk of data breaches, being compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is crucial for any business. This means following strict regulations, including obtaining user consent for data collection, ensuring data security, and respecting individuals’ rights regarding their personal data.

What is GDPR?

The GDPR is the toughest privacy and security law in the world. Though drafted and passed by the European Union (EU), it imposes obligations on organisations globally, as long as they target or collect data related to people in the EU. These privacy and security standards were enforced in May 2018, and since then, heavy fines have been imposed on those who violate the GDPR – we’re talking tens of millions of euros.

Privacy – a human right

Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, said: “We see GDPR as foundational regulation. It sets the ground rules for how we handle data, and we support GDPR and other privacy regulations because they are pro-privacy and pro-user. GDPR has shown us all that good policy and political will can come together to protect the rights of everyone. Privacy is a fundamental human right.” And we agree. For GDPR and e-commerce, two fundamental customer rights stand out:

• Right to access: People have the right to know how and why their data’s collected.
• Right to be forgotten: When requested, you must erase all information you have about a person. It must also be as easy for someone to withdraw their consent as it was to give.

Why you should take GDPR compliance seriously…

1. Protects people’s privacy: Their data, their right. GDPR’s core purpose is to give EU citizens more control over their personal data. Companies must be transparent about how they collect, use, and store this data. Individuals have the right to access, rectify, or erase their data.
2. Saves you money: GDPR violations can result in hefty fines, up to €20 million or 4% of a company’s global annual revenue, whichever is higher. Compliance helps businesses avoid significant financial penalties.
3. Builds trust with customers: In today’s digital age, consumers are increasingly concerned about how their data is used. GDPR demonstrates a commitment to data privacy that builds trust and loyalty with customers.
4. Harmonises Data Protection Laws: By adhering to GDPR standards, you help set a precedent for data protection, which is not only morally right but also makes it easier for other businesses to understand and comply.

How does GDPR compliance benefit Dev Team?

We take GDPR compliance seriously, not just as a requirement from our clients, but as a commitment to our brand reputation. By ensuring every employee understands GDPR clearly, they can protect personal data, raise awareness, and support their data protection obligations.

“GDPR is essential for ensuring data privacy and security. As an employee, it helps by setting clear guidelines for handling personal data, reducing the risk of data breaches, and fostering trust with our clients.” – Mary Rose, Technical Support Tier 1, Dev Team.

A GDPR certification not only demonstrates our commitment but often includes staff training and fosters a culture of privacy within the organisation. This can significantly boost staff confidence and capabilities, enhancing trust with our partners.

Be proactive: Steps you can take as a business

1. Conduct a data audit to identify what personal data you collect
2. Update Privacy Policies
3. Obtain Explicit Consent and ensure it’s easy to withdraw
4. Implement Data Protection Measures
5. Train Your Staff
6. Appoint a leader to oversee data protection
7. Prepare for data breaches
8. Ensure third-party compliance
9. Review regularly 

“GDPR serves as a reminder that compliance is about creating a more secure and reliable environment for all parties involved, not just about obeying regulations. GDPR represents a significant step forward in data protection, with both positive impacts on privacy rights and challenges for businesses in terms of compliance.” – Jude Rasonable, Magento Developer, Dev Team.

Key Takeaways

GDPR and Data Protection Act (DPA) compliance offer numerous benefits. They help protect the customer’s right to privacy, improve your brand image, build trust with customers, and help you avoid fines. Noncompliance leads to trouble – reputational damage, hefty fines, and more.

And so, we urge you to take GDPR compliance seriously. It’s a requirement that will only become more important in the future. Innovation and growth are possible with the free flow of information, but it has to be consensual. Adhering to these standards regulates the collection, recording, organisation, storage, updating or modification, retrieval, consultation, use, consolidation, blocking, erasure, or destruction of personal data.

GDPR compliance is not just about avoiding fines; it’s about respecting individual privacy, building trust, and operating responsibly. We comply with GDPR because we believe in its principles and the positive impact it has on our business and our customers.