5 Oct, 2017
We recently attended a presentation on GDPR given by speakers who had presented nationwide to representatives ranging from large premiership football clubs to local SMEs. What was clear from them was that many businesses are still largely in the dark about GDPR and the impact it could have on their business.
We all need to be aware that compliance with GDPR is not optional. Whilst it is more relevant to some businesses than others (marketing, PR, HR and recruitment to name a few), all businesses need to take on board what GDPR is and what they need to do to comply. In this article we have tried to condense a meaty topic down in to the basics
GDPR applies to both “controllers” and “processors” of data. The definitions for these are broadly the same as the Data Protection Act (‘DPA’). A controller says how and why personal data is processed and a processor acts on the controllers behalf (think of a business and its outsourced IT – the business is the controller but the IT company processes the data by holding it on their servers).
GDPR places specific legal obligations on processors including more legal liability if you are responsible for a breach. Controllers will need to ensure they contract with processors that are compliant with GDPR.
Personal data
GDPR applies to personal data. Be careful not to be too narrow with your definition of personal data. This is much more detailed and wider than DPA to reflect technological changes and the way that organisations collect data, for example a work e-mail address can now be construed as personal data. Anything that previously fell under DPA will fall under GDPR including HR records, consumer lists and contact details. It applies to:
This is wider than under DPA.
Coded personal data could be caught by GDPR if it can be attributed to a particular individual.
Sensitive data
This is “special categories” of personal data and whilst similar to DPA now includes genetic data and biometric data where it is processed to uniquely identify an individual.
Personal data relating to criminal convictions and offences are not included within this category but safeguards do apply to its processing.
Key areas to consider:
Lawful processing
You must have a lawful basis before you can process personal data. You must determine this at the outset and document it. Lawful reasons for processing data include:
Consent
Consent is now a key area for businesses to consider. Consent must be:
Consent requires an affirmative action – a positive opt in.
The request for consent must be separate from other terms and conditions, so no sneaky clauses at the bottom of your T&Cs to allow marketing!
Individuals must be able to withdraw consent.
Children’s personal data
There are new provisions to enhance the protection of children’s personal data but we won’t go in to this in any depth here.
New rights for individuals
GDPR creates some new rights for individuals but also strengthens some that are already in existence under the DPA. For further information on the new rights for individuals see our previous article here
Accountability and Governance
Key to GDPR is accountability and transparency which was previously only implicit in data protection law. Comprehensive but proportionate measures should be put in place and you should be able to demonstrate that you comply with the principles. But how?
Breach notification
All organisations must report certain types of data breaches under GDPR. These must be reported to the relevant supervisory authority and in some cases to the individual affected.
Relevant breaches for notification to a supervisory body are those which are likely to result in a risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals.
Individuals must be notified where a breach is likely to result in a high risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals. This is therefore a higher threshold than for notification to the relevant supervisory authority.
Under GDPR breaches must be notified within 72 hours of awareness by the organisation.
Transfer of personal data
GDPR now imposes restrictions on the transfer of personal data outside of the EU. This is to ensure that GDPR provisions are not undermined.
It is important to remember that if you are complying properly with the DPA then this compliance will remain valid under GDPR and can be a good starting point to build from. However, the above sets out some key differences and some things will have to be done differently to ensure compliance.
For more information in the above please see the ICO website. The ICO continues to issue new guidance on GDPR compliance. We will update you as we receive this guidance. In the meantime, we are running a practical 1 day training course in association with Risk Evolves. We have two places remaining on our course in October. For more details including how to book click here.
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