Over recent months there has been more and more focus on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the news, expressing the massive effect the new laws will have on every companies’ data privacy rules once the changes have been implemented. The Government has now announced their intention to publish the new Data Protection Bill and bring it into UK law in September 2017.
The new Data Protection Bill has been designed to both support businesses in their use of data as well as give consumers the confidence that their data is protected, whilst holding those that misuse it accountable.
What will change?
The right to be forgotten: The changes in data protection laws will allow individuals to request for their personal data to be erased from any company’s database.
Severe Consequences: When previously there was little more than a slap on the wrist to be concerned with, fines are suggested to be up to £17 million or 4% of global turnover in extreme cases.
To learn more about the effects of GDPR – read Complete I.T.’s latest blog on the matter.
What does the new bill mean for businesses?
- Removing consent for companies to hold onto individual’s personal data will be much easier
- Parents and Guardians must give consent for their child’s data to be used
- The definition of ‘personal data’ will be expanded – including IP addresses, internet cookies and DNA
- It will now be completely free for individuals to request an organisation to disclose ALL personal data they have on them –down to every email
What do you need to do?
With new data protection laws already in motion, now is the time to make the necessary changes to your systems and servers to ensure that your data is within the guidelines, before the heavy fines really start to take effect.
If you wish to talk through your options, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our friendly office teams in Birmingham, Bristol, London, Manchester, Oxford, Peterborough, Swindon and Thames Valley to discuss how you can best prepare your organisation.