Why GDPR is an opportunity for most businesses and not a threat

Probably the most daunting thing for many businesses about the impending GDPR deadline is the perceived enormity of the actual task of becoming compliant. In the third of our blog posts about the upcoming GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), we’re looking at the opportunity for businesses…

Few organisations have a clear handle on what they need to do and what data is stored where. From a stack of papers in a cupboard, or buried in a filing cabinet to data stored on servers, platforms and in marketing databases – the data you have could be stored in one easy to find place or across multiple locations. Leaving some businesses wondering how the hell they pull it all together and sift through it. Never mind anything else.

But it needn’t be a headache, as the regulation focuses deliberately on personally identifiable information and its potential impact on people. It’s not concerned with any lack of historical process or solution. But it is concerned with what we do now, and in the future. So, it poses an opportunity to adopt best practice data handling, control and security, the only risk to you is non-compliance.

GDPR and your business

Our advice is, rather than starting with your data, begin with the regulation and the rules about the types of data you can process and reasons why. There is an official and straightforward guide available from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Through updating and enhancing your business processes, improving the quality and integrity of data you store, and rethinking why and how you capture and use personal data, you’ll reduce any risks for your business.

Companies that show that they value an individual’s privacy – sometimes even going beyond legal compliance – and are transparent about how data is used are more likely to retain and attract their customers, employees and stakeholders.

Through designing and implementing new and improved ways of managing data, you’ll make people feel more secure about how their data is being handled and put more trust in your business. These changes can really improve how your business interacts with your customers, while also meeting your legal obligations.

Dedicate some time to understanding what you need to do, create a plan of action and then get to it!

You can find more information at the Information Commissioner’s Office.