The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect in 2018 and gives people far more control over their data. It also enforces strict limitations on how organisations can use personal data. UK GDPR compliance is important, so if you are unsure what is required for GDPR compliance or how to be GDPR compliant in the UK, read on to find out everything you need to know.
GDPR applies to all organisations operating in the UK and EU, or processing ‘Personally Identifiable Data’ of UK or EU residents. Even though the UK has now left the EU, the GDPR legislation applies to your company if you sell products and services in the UK or European markets.
In order to be compliant with GDPR, there are a few steps you need to follow. You need to appoint a Data Protection Officer who will be in charge of implementing GDPR practices in your business – they must understand these thoroughly. They will be responsible for carrying out an information audit, determining your lawful basis for processing data, and implementing any processes that are required under GDPR.
There are seven key principles of GDPR:
You must abide by each of these to improve your security and to make sure that you are complying with the set-out GDPR laws.
Businesses that don’t comply with GDPR, even if they don’t realise it, can be hit with large fines depending on the severity of the data breach, with a maximum UK fine of up to £17.5 million, or 4% of your annual turnover. Incidents that result in these severe fines can include not storing an individual’s data correctly or not having a Data Protection Officer when required, for example. These fines could have huge impacts on your business, so making sure you are aware of the rules is key.
If you need guidance on making sure that your business is GDPR compliant, we can help. Here at Vantage IT, we provide assistance with the various factors of GDPR, including data encryption, firewalls, anti-malware software, and more. For more information or to find out how we can help you, make sure to contact us so that our friendly team can get started right away.
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