In today’s digital age, data is the new gold. As businesses become increasingly dependent on data to obtain innovation, there is an increased importance of protecting personal information. The rules from the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) are a means of doing just that. Here at Witan Solicitors, we have a team of commercial litigation lawyers who are ready and willing to help you navigate the complexity of data protection to safeguard your business while cultivating trust between you and your customers.

What is GDPR?

The GDPR is a comprehensive law designed to regulate data protection enacted by the European Union. It came into force on 5 May 2018 and was enacted into the domestic law of the UK when we left the EU. The regulations apply to any business that processes the personal data of EU citizens, regardless of where that business is located.

Key Concepts of GDPR

Personal Data

• GDPR defines personal data broadly as any information relating to an identified or an identifiable person. This may include individuals’ emails, names addresses, and IP addresses, additionally, biometric data and genetic data may also be logged here.

Data Processing

• This refers to any operation performed on personal data, whether automated or not, such as collection storage, use and deletion.

Data Controller and Data Processor

• The data controller will determine the purpose and means of processing the personal data, while the data processor handles the data on behalf of the controller. Both have specific legal obligations under GDPR.

Data Subject Rights

• GDPR grants individuals several rights regarding their personal data, including the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict processing, data portability, and object to processing

Consent

• The consent given by individual must be granted before processing their personal data. The consent must be freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous.

Why GDPR Compliance Matters

A failure to comply with GDPR requirements can result in severe penalties, this may include fines of up to 10 million euros, or 2% of the entire global turnover of the preceding fiscal year, usually, this is whichever is higher! Furthermore, non-compliance can damage your reputation and erode customer trust. Conversely, if you are a business which demonstrates compliance with GDPR you can enhance your brand’s reliability and build a stronger and safer network with the key stakeholders of your business. Additionally, we strongly recommend all of our clients to seek thorough GDPR training for themselves and their employees to maximise data security and business data protection circumventing the need to seek a GDPR lawyer for a pending future dispute.

Contact Us Today:
Don’t leave your GDPR compliance to chance. Contact Witan Solicitors today to speak with one of our commercial-minded legal experts. We will help you navigate the niche areas of GDPR while helping to secure your business’s future.

Call 03003032071

Email info@witansolicitors.co.uk for a no-obligation consultation with a member of the Witan Solicitor legal team.