01/08/2017

Businesses Urged To Get Ready For Introduction Of EU Data Protection Rules

The European Union's new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will come into force for all markets from 25 May, 2018, affecting businesses both inside and outside the Union.

Despite the UK's plans to leave the EU, the new regulation will still apply. Businesses outside of the Union, that collect, share and use personal data of EU citizens will still have to comply with the regulation.

There are similarities with the current UK Data protection, however, the GDPR will introduce several new and different requirements for most businesses; give individuals more control over their personal information; apply to companies outside the EU that process personal data of EU citizens.

Non-compliance with the GDPR will result in penalties, including potential fines of up to a maximum of €20 million or 4 per cent of global turnover.

The Information Commissioner's Office has published a checklist to help businesses get ready for the introduction of the GDPR, and can be accessed here.

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