What is GDPR?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a law introduced by the European Union to safeguard the personal data of EU citizens. It enhances transparency in how organisations handle such data and aims to prevent its misuse in today’s digital world.

GDPR includes 11 chapters covering principles, data rights, controller responsibilities, supervisory roles, and more. It applies to companies within the EU and also to those outside the EU if they offer goods or services to EU residents. Complying with GDPR helps businesses strengthen customer data protection.

Why Implement General Data Protection Regulation?

The main reason is growing public concern over personal data. Europe has historically enforced stricter rules on how companies use citizens' information. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) replaces the outdated 1995 Data Protection Directive, which was created before the internet became central to modern commerce. The old directive no longer reflects how data is now collected, stored, and transferred.

Public concern over privacy is real and increasing. According to the RSA Data Privacy & Security Report, 80% of consumers worry about stolen banking and financial data. The report, based on responses from 7,500 people in France, Germany, Italy, the UK, and the U.S., found that 62% would blame the company—not the hacker—for data breaches.

As consumers become more informed, they expect greater transparency and accountability from businesses handling their data.

7 Key Principles of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Understanding the core principles of GDPR is essential. Below are the seven key principles:

• Transparency: Organisations must clearly explain why personal data is collected and how it will be used.
• Purpose Limitation: Data must only be used for the specific purpose it was collected and not repurposed without consent.
• Data Minimisation: Only relevant and necessary information should be collected to meet intended goals.
• Accuracy: Data must be kept accurate and up to date. Organisations must establish processes to ensure this.
• Storage Limitation: Companies must control how long data is stored and ensure secure retention and transfer practices.
• Integrity and Confidentiality: Organisations are responsible for protecting personal data through adequate security measures.
• Accountability: Businesses must be able to demonstrate compliance by documenting all actions taken to safeguard personal data.

Benefits of GDPR Compliance

• Protects customer data effectively
• Builds consumer trust in your business
• Avoids fines due to non-compliance
• Streamlines data management
• Highlights security vulnerabilities
• Ensures accountability for data handling
• Enhances brand reputation

GDPR compliance not only protects your business legally but also boosts credibility and operational efficiency. It's a valuable step toward responsible data practices.

Essential Steps to Achieving GDPR Compliance

Businesses can assess their compliance status and work toward GDPR adherence using the following checklist:

• Raise Awareness: Identify areas of non-compliance, including risks in your business environment. Ensure security of workplaces and employee devices.
• Track Data Processing Flows: Understand how customer data moves in and out of your cloud-based systems.
• Review Privacy Notices: Update your notices to include all personal data usage details as required under GDPR.
• Assess Individual Rights: Ensure your privacy and data protection policies align with the rights provided to individuals under GDPR.
• Improve Request Handling: Update procedures to manage subject access requests (SARs) efficiently and within deadlines.
• Clarify Legal Basis: Identify and record the legal grounds for data processing. Update privacy policies to reflect them.
• Update Consent Mechanisms: Replace outdated cookie banners with clear, simple consent language, complying with GDPR standards.
• Protect Children’s Data: Implement age verification and parental consent procedures when dealing with children's personal data.
• Manage Data Breaches: Set up systems to detect, report, and investigate breaches. Know which data types require mandatory reporting.
• Adopt a Privacy-first Approach: Use ‘privacy by design’ practices. Conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) for high-risk data processing or new technologies.
• Appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO): Required if your company regularly handles sensitive data like health records or criminal history. Follow guidance from Article 29 Working Party on DPO roles.

Protecting Individual Rights with GDPR Compliance

Under the Data Protection Act 2018, you have specific rights regarding how your personal data is handled by governments and organisations. These include:

• Access your personal data
• Correct inaccurate data
• Request erasure of your data
• Restrict or stop processing
• Be informed about how your data is used
• Portability: reuse your data across different services
• Object to processing in certain cases

You also have rights if your data is used for:

• Automated decision-making (without human involvement)
• Profiling (e.g., predicting behaviour or interests)

These rights help ensure transparency, control, and accountability in data handling under GDPR.

Expert Assistance with GDPR Compliance from Sperso Filings

Sperso Filings is a trusted platform that connects you with verified professionals to manage all your legal and compliance needs.

• 4,000+ Satisfied Clients: We’ve helped thousands of businesses stay GDPR-compliant—and the number keeps growing due to our trusted legal services.
• Timely Progress Updates: Clients are informed regularly, ensuring transparency and a stress-free compliance journey.
• Track Your Compliance in Real Time: With our easy-to-use platform, you can monitor the progress of your GDPR compliance at any time.
• Expert Legal Support: Have queries? Our experienced legal consultants are always a phone call away to assist you.
• Smooth Government Interaction: Sperso Filings simplifies the legal process, ensuring efficient handling of documentation and communication with authorities.