The GDPR applies to all EU organisations – whether commercial business, charity or public authority – that collect, store or process the personal data of EU residents, irrespective of nationality. Some of the key changes introduced by the Regulation are:

 

1. Accountability and governance

You must be able to demonstrate compliance with the GDPR:

• The establishment of a governance structure with roles and responsibilities.

• Keeping a detailed record of all data processing operations.

• The documentation of data protection policies and procedures.

• Data protection impact assessments (DPIAs) for high-risk processing operations.

• Implementing appropriate measures to secure personal data.

• Staff training and awareness.

• Where necessary, appoint a data protection officer.

 

 

2. Data protection by design and by default

There is a requirement to build effective data protection practices and safeguards from the very beginning of all processing:

• Data protection must be considered at the design stage of any new process, system or technology.

• A DPIA is an integral part of privacy by design.

 

 

3. The six data processing principles

Personal data must be:

•  Processed lawfully, fairly and transparently.

• Collected only for specific legitimate purposes.

• Adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary.

• Accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date.

• Stored only as long as is necessary.

• Ensure appropriate security.

 

 

4. Lawful processing

 You must identify and document the lawful basis for any processing of personal data. The lawful bases are:

• Direct consent from the individual;

• The necessity to perform a contract;

• Protecting the vital interests of the individual;

• The legal obligations of the organisation;

• Necessity for the public interest; and

• The legitimate interests of the organisation.

 

 

5. Valid consent

• Consent must be freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous.

• A request for consent must be intelligible and in clear, plain language.

• Silence, pre-ticked boxes and inactivity will no longer suffice as consent.

• Consent can be withdrawn at any time.

• Consent for online services from a child under 13 is only valid with parental authorisation.

• Organisations must be able to evidence consent.

 

 

6. Privacy rights of individuals

Individuals’ rights are enhanced and extended in a number of important areas:

      The right of access to personal data through subject access requests.

• The right to correct inaccurate personal data.

• The right in certain cases to have personal data erased.

• The right to object.

• The right to move personal data from one service provider to another (data portability).

 

 

7. Transparency and privacy notices

Organisations must be clear and transparent about how personal data is going to be processed, by whom and why.

• Privacy notices must be provided in a concise, transparent and easily accessible form, using clear and plain language.

 

 

8. Data transfers outside the EU

The transfer of personal data outside the EU is only allowed:

• Where the EU has designated a country as providing an adequate level of data protection;

• Through model contracts or binding corporate rules; or

• By complying with an approved certification mechanism, e.g. EU-US Privacy Shield.

 

 

9. Data security and breach reporting

Personal data needs to be secured against unauthorised processing and against accidental loss, destruction or damage.

• Data breaches must be reported to the data protection authority within 72 hours of discovery.

• Individuals impacted should be told where there exists a high risk to their rights and freedoms, e.g. identity theft, personal information.

 

 

10. Data protection officer (DPO)

The appointment of a DPO is mandatory for:

• Public authorities;

• Organisations involved in high-risk processing; and

• Organisations processing special categories of data.

A DPO has set tasks:

• Inform and advise the organisation of its obligations.

• Monitor compliance, including awareness raising, staff training and audits.

• Cooperate with data protection authorities and act as a contact point.