GDPR, a legal protection in digital space

In the age where all the personal data like card numbers, phone numbers, identity proofs numbers,
email ids and etc have become the very much identity of an individual in the digital space, a due
protection of it has become a big concern. There are many companies or websites who have all
such information of ours but how much are they responsible for it. Keeping the same concern, the
European Union has introduced a new law, the General Data Protection Regulation or GDPR. This
law will include all rules and regulations that govern the use of personal data within the EU.

All companies and organizations that deal with data relating to EU citizens have to mandatory
comply with this new regulation. Even the United Kingdom which is actually no more a part of EU
after Brexit is also ready to comply with the new law. This law is said to be the most important
change in the data privacy regulation since last 20 years and will come into effect from 25th May
2018 onwards. Since there are just two months left now let us tell you all relevant and related to it.

When compared with the Data Protection Act 1998, the GDPR is there on the same page but with a
broader definition this time. All data that can be deemed to identify someone comes under the
definition of personal data in new GDPR. It can be anything from genetic to economic information to
IP addresses. This law basically two-sided. It brings the users or customers more in control of how
and where their data is being used and it demands the businesses to adapt to new ways of
obtaining, using and keeping such information. Thus, bringing transparency on a bigger level.

The important steps which you can take to start preparing for it now are:
Keep a record of all personal data you hold on. It includes the sources of personal data as well as
the use of it.

Be aware of all the data protection laws that are switching to GDPR.
Keep reading about the new laws and procedures as and when they appear in news and consult a
needful authority if you feel so or start looking for somebody relevant for this job.

Formulate the procedures which you need to follow in your organization in order to comply with this
law.

Lastly, remember the no compliance penalties attached to it. It may range from Euro 10 M or 2%
global turnover up to Euro 200M and 4% global turnover (whichever is greater) depending on the
offense.

To conclude, it is better to prepare to adopt or comply with the new GDPR rules than regretting later.
The law is definitely for our better and not abiding by it will bring severe consequences.