How to take advantage of GDPR

Cons and benefits of GDPR

Complying with GDPR requirements typically requires a revision of your existing policies and the way you process data to ensure that sensitive data is handled securely. Furthermore, it may involve investments in new systems, training of staff, etc. But although it may seem like a big task to comply with GDPR, there are also an advantage of GDPR once you comply with the requirements.

 

 

How an individual benefits from GDPR?

Before it is revealed how a company can take advantage of GDPR, we will mention how ordinary citizens can take benefit from the regulation. These two matters are related. There are a number of ways that citizens can take advantage of GDPR:

1. GDPR gives citizens greater control over their personal data. Citizens have the right to access their personal data, the right to request corrections, erasure and restriction of the use of their data, and the right to withdraw their consent. This allows citizens to control who has access to their data and how it is used.
2. The GDPR requires companies and organizations to have appropriate technical and organizational measures in place to protect personal data from unauthorized access and data breaches. This means that citizens can feel more secure in providing their personal data, knowing that their data is protected against misuse and unauthorized access.
3. GDPR requires companies and organizations to be more transparent about how they collect and use personal data. This means that citizens have the right to know how their data is being used and who has access to it. GDPR also requires companies and organizations to be responsible for protecting personal data and complying with the rules, increasing trust and security for citizens.
4. The GDPR requires that companies and organizations must obtain the citizen’s consent before they collect, use or share personal data. This means that citizens have a greater opportunity to make informed decisions about whether or not they want to provide their data.
5. The GDPR allows citizens to file complaints if they believe their personal data has been misused or not properly protected. This means that citizens have a way to protect their rights and ensure that companies and organizations comply with GDPR regulations.

But what positive effects does GDPR have on your company?

The advantage companies can gain from GDPR

GDPR compliance can be a significant task for businesses. However, there are a number of potential advantages of GDPR:

1. Improved data handling
GDPR requires companies to have a clear understanding of what data they have, where it came from and how it is used. By implementing these requirements, companies can improve their data management practices and gain a better understanding of their data assets.

2. Increased trust and customer loyalty
By implementing GDPR, companies can demonstrate that they take data protection seriously and are committed to protecting their customers’ personal information. This can lead to increased trust and loyalty among customers, which can be a significant competitive advantage.

3. Reduced risk of data breaches
The GDPR requires companies to implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data against unauthorized access or accidental loss. By implementing these measures, companies can reduce the risk of data breaches, which can be costly and damage their reputation.

4. Streamlined business processes
GDPR requires companies to review their data processing activities and implement new processes where necessary. This can help companies identify inefficiencies and streamline their business processes, leading to improved performance and reduced costs.

5. Increased global reach
The GDPR applies to any company that processes personal data about EU citizens, regardless of where the company is based. By complying with the GDPR, companies can expand their global reach and demonstrate their commitment to data protection to a wider audience.

Overall, complying with the GDPR can be a significant task, but companies that implement the regulation can achieve numerous advantages of GDPR, including improved data management, increased customer trust and loyalty, reduced risk of data breaches, streamlined business processes and increased global reach.

How you take advantage of GDPR

There are several ways in which you can show the outside world that you comply with GDPR and that protecting people’s sensitive information is a priority. Here are 3 options:

1. Privacy policy
You should have a clear and comprehensive privacy policy that describes how you collect, process and protect personal data. This policy should be available on the company website and other relevant platforms. By having a clear privacy policy, you show your awareness of GDPR and your commitment to protecting personal data.

2. Show certifications
Some companies choose to obtain certifications or approvals related to GDPR and data protection. There are various international standards and certifications, such as ISO 27001 (information security) and ISO 27701 (personal data protection), which can serve as confirmation of the company’s compliance with GDPR and data protection standards. In addition, we at Safe Online have our own DataMapper Digital Trust Badge, which shows that DataMapper is used to protect sensitive information. Certificates should be implemented in e.g. your email signature and on your website.

3. Communication
You should dedicate internal resources to communicating how you comply with GDPR. If you have appointed a DPO, part of his duties should revolve around communicating compliance externally to show that you prioritize the data protection rules. The communication can be various data protection measures you take, or new collaborations, such as if the company consults a GDPR expert or lawyer. All GDPR communication helps to show that you take data protection seriously.

 

Comply with GDPR the easy way

Although compliance with the GDPR is a large and continuous task, in the end it is in many ways a win-win situation – both for the people you deal with and you as a company. Customers, employees and other contacts of your company will have their rights protected and secured, while you will have a more streamlined workflow and experience trust from the outside world. Read more about complying with GDPR here. At Safe Online, we develop tools designed to make it easy for small and medium-sized businesses to comply with GDPR. See our solutions here: