The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data protection and privacy regulation that applies to organizations handling personal data of individuals within the European Union (EU). To achieve GDPR compliance, organizations typically focus on four key area
2. The 4 Key Areas of GDPR Compliance
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data protection and privacy
regulation that applies to organizations handling personal data of individuals within the European
Union (EU). To achieve GDPR compliance, organizations typically focus on four key area
Data Collection and Processing:
Lawful Basis: Organizations must have a valid lawful basis for collecting and processing personal
data. Common lawful bases include consent, contract performance, legal obligations, vital
interests, legitimate interests, and public task.
Purpose Limitation: Personal data should only be collected for specific, explicit, and legitimate
purposes, and it should not be processed in a manner incompatible with these purposes.
Data Minimization: Organizations should only collect and process the minimum amount of
personal data necessary to achieve the specified purposes.
Data Accuracy: Organizations are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the personal data they
hold and should take steps to rectify inaccuracies when identified.
Data Subject Rights:
Access: Data subjects have the right to request access to their personal data held by an
organization. Organizations must provide this information in a clear and understandable format.
Rectification: Data subjects can request the correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal
data.
Erasure (Right to Be Forgotten): Data subjects have the right to request the deletion of their
personal data under certain circumstances, such as when the data is no longer necessary or when
consent is withdrawn.
Portability: Data subjects can request their personal data in a structured, commonly used, and
machine-readable format, allowing them to transfer it to another organization.
Objection: Data subjects can object to the processing of their personal data, including for direct
marketing purposes.
Restriction of Processing: Data subjects can request the restriction of processing under specific
circumstances, such as when the accuracy of the data is contested.
Data Security and Accountability:
3. Data Security: Organizations must implement appropriate technical and organizational measures
to protect personal data from breaches and unauthorized access. This includes encryption, access
controls, and regular security assessments.
Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs): Organizations must conduct DPIAs for high-risk
processing activities to assess and mitigate potential risks to data subjects.
Data Protection by Design and Default: Privacy considerations should be integrated into the
development of products, services, and systems from the outset (privacy by design) and by
default.
Data Transfer:
International Data Transfers: Organizations can only transfer personal data outside the EU to
countries or entities that provide an adequate level of data protection. Alternatively, they may
use mechanisms like Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs) to
ensure adequate protection.
Data Processing Agreements: When using third-party data processors, organizations should have
GDPR-compliant data processing agreements in place to ensure that processors handle personal
data appropriately.
It's important to note that GDPR compliance is an ongoing process, and organizations must
regularly review and update their data protection practices to remain in compliance with evolving
regulations and best practices. Additionally, GDPR compliance requirements may vary based on
the nature and scope of an organization's data processing activities.