Does your company send out a data protection notice? If not, what does this notice mean? Let us find out together below.
Data Protection Notice
A data protection notice refers to a notice that you can provide to your clients, customers, or employees to inform them about the way you are collecting, using, and storing their data. This notice is an essential part of your privacy policy. This notification is used primarily for businesses and organizations that collect, store, and process personal data.
So, it must be clear about what data is collected by the business, how it is used, and how long it will be stored. Business owners also have the option to provide a copy of the notice to individuals who may not be aware that they are giving their information. Especially when they register with the website or purchase something from a website.
Then, if you are a business owner, or if you are responsible for handling personal data in any form (electronic, paper-based) this notice must be included in your privacy policy. If you do not, then you might be breaking the law and if found guilty, you can face serious legal consequences.
Businesses need to make sure that they have obtained consent from individuals before collecting any personal data from them. This applies even if the individual provided general and non-specific information (i.e., demographic information).
What Is in a Data Protection Notice?
A notice from your business should include the following information:
- The name and contact details of the data controller (a person or an organization who controls the data)
- The purpose of collecting and using personal data
- Then, who is responsible for handling and storing the personal data
- Any third party that is involved in the collection, storage, or processing of personal data
- How long will the personal data be stored?
- Further, where is the data stored (what country)
- What are your rights with regards to the handling of your data
- Next, what action can you take if you are unhappy with your business practices?
- Does your business offer any additional protection for children under the age of 18?
Moreover, the notice should be written in clear and simple language so that a non-expert can clearly understand it.
A Data Protection Impact Assessment is an action plan. One that you can use to identify how your company will manage and handle any risks related to processing personal data.
Then, a DPIA helps you proactively prepare for compliance with GDPR. as well as ensure that your business is ready for any possible incidents where your clients’ or employees’ private information could be compromised.
If you have any questions about GDPR compliance or if you need help with drafting a privacy policy and/or DPIAs then you can contact a reputable law firm. One who specializes in this field.
of the best platforms that you can use for this purpose.
Conclusion
As you can see, it is a serious legal matter that, if not handled correctly can lead to a large fine or even imprisonment. GDPR is a vast subject and this article is but a brief introduction to it.