GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is the biggest change in the way personal data is processed since the Data Protection Act of 1998 that was written 20 years ago.
In stark contrast to all the negativity that is currently surrounding GDPR, it should instead be seen as a positive thing to both people and businesses. The more accurate that customer data is, can only mean more opportunities for a better relationships between businesses and customers.
Moving forward, businesses that get their GDPR strategy right are sure to benefit greatly.
These changes were a long time coming and when you consider how much has changed in the last 2 decades, it can only be appropriate for a full shake-up.
1998 may not seem that long ago, however when you consider that back then only 9% of UK Households had internet access and just 26% of UK Households had access to a mobile phone, which could only call and send text messages.
GDPR does seem like an extra frustration for many businesses, but with the exponential changes that have taken place in technology, data, and our attitudes to the relationship companies have with this data, means the Data Protection Act of 1998 is simply no longer fit for purpose.
We've put together a tech timeline of major events from 1998 to illustrate and give context to the state of technology when the Data Protection Act of 1998 was created.
As technology has evolved over the years, so has the rate and way in which our data is used and exchanged. The relationship between the use of our data and our increased use of tech in our daily lives cannot be underestimated.
Any device that is connected to the internet has potential data privacy concerns. As technologies become more sophisticated or 'smart' they are more likely to fall within the remit of GDPR. Technologies that would never have previously handled our data now do, take games consoles for example, or the ever-encroaching number of 'smarthome' devices - now even utility meters can fall within the remit of GDPR.
With the deadline for GDPR compliance drawing ever closer, it’s becoming increasingly important for businesses to take notice of all data handling processes.
There are so many variables to consider, including the industry you’re in, the nature of your product or service, who has access to data, and the systems you use.
It can be difficult to be objective when doing this, that’s why it can be invaluable to let a third party specialist review your businesses practices.
There is a bewildering amount of solutions out there to make sure businesses are GDPR ready, so it can be difficult to find the right company who can make sure this happens.
With the Maistro B2B Marketplace, we can help match the very best services for you and your business’ needs. See how Maistro works.
