Let’s set aside the issue of the impending Brexit referendum for a few minutes, while I tell you quickly about the new EU General Data Protection Regulation, which passed into privacy law on 4 May 2016.
Quick overview
Here is an executive summary of what the new law brings:
- Effective on 25 May 2018 (allowing up to two years to adapt to its requirements)
- Directly applicable in all EU countries (same rules for all countries), unlike existing rules under current privacy directives and European framework
- Increased control over personal data for individuals, e.g. taking your data with you to a different service provider
- Children subject to additional conditions for data processing
- Simplifications for businesses in dealing with data privacy
Implementation
- GDPR comes into force for the entire territory of the EU within 20 days, i.e. 25 May 2016.
- Due to its two year implementation period, GDPR will not be applicable until 25 May 2018.
The new Regulation is a milestone in the field of data protection and will serve the purpose of strengthening the existing rights and empowering individuals with more control over their personal data, as well as creating business opportunities and encouraging innovation.
The good people at Iubenda have been following the drafting process of the Regulation closely and they’ve shared some of the insights: GDPR significant details and new concepts.
What should you do now?
- No need to panic. You have two years to get acquainted with the new rules under the GDPR.
- Read about what the GDPR is and why you should care.
- Read how the GDPR brings new principles to European businesses.
- Read how the GDPR strengthens the rights of European individuals.
- If you don’t have a privacy policy for your website yet, get one. Every website needs a privacy policy.
- If you already have a privacy policy for your website, review it and make sure it’s still current.
Edward Solomon has over 30 years’ experience in project management, technical education, computer networking, web design and development and is a Digital Business Consultant for PENNInk Productions Ltd.
