What Is the GDPR?

You down with GDPR? Yeah you know me!

Ok, with obligatory Naughty By Nature reference out of the way – let’s get into the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and what it really means to you – the business owner.
Possibly one of the biggest changes in data protection laws in the last 20 years – the GDPR, came into effect on May 25, 2018. In a nutshell, this regulation gives power back to the consumer in terms of how their personally identifiable information is handled. Granting these consumers the ‘right to be forgotten’ – businesses now have to ensure that provisions are in play that will allow the deletion and/or transfer of individuals’ information. Yes, Facebook, you too.

But Isn’t This a European Thing?

I know, I know. It seems like those guys on the other side of the pond are always up to something weird – driving on the wrong side of the road, putting mayo on food that has no right to have mayo on it, and now – this whole privacy thing. But here’s the thing – even if your business doesn’t currently set up shop in the European Union, if you hold data belonging to anyone living there – well, then, your business is liable.

What Now?

FREAK OUT.

No, no. Scratch that. There are some awesome tips the folks over in the UK released on how businesses can go about ensuring they are in compliance with the new regulation, so at the very least, give it a good read over while you re-watch old episodes of Downton Abbey on Netflix. The immersion effect is exhilarating.

Now look, most of the changes are probably things businesses are already doing – but at the risk of some major fines (we’re talking tens of millions of Euros – yeah, EUROS), it’s probably a good time to put on those reading glasses.

Privacy laws are changing for the betterment of all mankind – or European-kind? Or individuals living and working in the EU-kind? In any event, as a business you should be aware of how those changes will affect your business practices and possible liability exposure.

Media Genesis has been helping clients navigate the digital waters since 1996, so if you have any questions, reach out to us at 248.687.7888