Life After Friday – GDPR ‘D’ Day
Will today be a confusing mess? Is it Y2K Friday?
I spotted an article in my newsfeed from the New York Times, the title: “Europe’s Data Protection Law Is a Big, Confusing Mess”. Is this coming from a country that currently has their Privacy ‘Shield” held high to deflect positive change in the world of data transparency? Will today be a confusing mess? Is it Y2K Friday?
As Annertech’s Data Protection Officer, I see today as just the beginning for privacy-friendly marketing and communication. For the last few months it has been all about policy writing (retention, limited access, legal basis…). Now is the time for implementation and getting on with the business of marketing and communication in an appropriate and accountable way.
Everyone has an opinion and interpretation of the regulation and I fear there has been many ‘misguided re-consent’ emails sent out over the last few weeks. Many of the emails just encouraged me to ‘opt-out’ rather than the anticipated opt-in. It’s time to live the regulation and stop talking about it. Integrate it within your business strategy for both your audience and your employees.
The Data Protection Commission has doubled in size in the last 12 months and no doubt the rest of Europe will be looking at Ireland to see how quickly the DPC flex their muscle, with a hefty fine for our big-data residents. On the other hand, the regulation language has been clear, we should take a common-sense approach to GDPR. Use it as an opportunity to refresh procedures that no longer serve your business - holding data ‘just in case’ is so passé.
Still, this is no reason to fire up the online shredder and delete your hard-earned customer-base or feel obliged to send out "dull regulatory” emails to your prospects. If in doubt, always ask yourself “would this person be alarmed to know their data is being used this way?” and “would I do this with my own personal contacts?”.
You have your GDPR policy integrated with your business and long-term strategy in place? Then, congratulations! If, on the other hand, you feel like you’re in a big, confusing mess, then feel free to reach out to us!
We have updated our Privacy Policy to improve transparency.
Maeve Dunne Data Protection Officer
Integrating privacy into your business and marketing strategy builds trust and loyalty for your brand. Maeve takes a common-sense approach to data protection regulation and provides clients with independent data protection officer support.
