General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) padlock on european union flag

How the GDPR Affects You and What HostPapa is Doing With These Changes


The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into effect on May 25th, 2018. If you have an online business or a presence on the Internet of any kind, chances are you’ve heard of the GDPR already, since it was created back in 2016. If you haven’t, here is what you need to know:

The GDPR is a law being placed in the European Union and the UK about data protection and privacy. The main focus of the GDPR is to give people more control of their online personal data. If you have visitors or clients that are residents, citizens, or even just passing through anywhere in the European Union, you will more than likely need to make some updates to your website to abide by the GDPR.

Below we outline what rights the GDPR gives individuals, what you need to do to comply and what HostPapa is doing to abide by this new law.

 

What does the GDPR do?

The GDPR makes it much easier for individuals to see what is happening with their data. Websites that collect information of any kind from persons in the EU must be much more transparent with what is being done with that information. You must tell people why you are collecting their data and what you are doing with it. Also, individuals have the right to correct information that is either incomplete or incorrect that you have gathered from them. Most importantly, anyone can request that their information be removed or deleted when no reason can be found to continue collecting it.

The GDPR also gives people the right to request a copy of their information. People in the EU can restrict their data to the point where if it is collected, it can not be processed. The GDPR is a lengthy law with many parts, but the general idea is that it gives people in the European Union more power over their personal information.

If you would like to learn more about the GDPR you can visit the website here.

 

How to prepare your website for the GDPR?

While the GDPR can seem daunting at first, you can prepare your website for this upcoming law with a few easy steps. First, you need to document all of the information that you collect from visitors, why you collect it, and who you share it with. Once you have that information you need to update your privacy policy and inform your viewers what you are doing with their information.
Next, you will need to read up on data protection practices and make a plan to ensure that all information you collect remains private and safe. All businesses that collect personal information should already have these precautions in place, but with these new data regulations coming into play, it’s a good idea to be over cautious. You will also want to make sure that you get consent from all users for the collection and use of their personal data.

Finally, you need to create a plan to delete personal information as users will be able to make this request once the GDPR comes into effect.

 

How is HostPapa complying with the GDPR?

HostPapa is complying with all rules and regulations presented by the GDPR. HostPapa has updated its privacy policy, which you can view here, to outline what information is collected and used, and for what purpose.

HostPapa protects your information and does not share it with others unless there is a legitimate need to do so, such as provide you with a service you have purchased. All information gathered is necessary to either provide services or improve customer experience.

The GDPR brings a lot more transparency between the gathering of information and who it is being gathered from. Make sure your company is ready by informing your visitors what information is being gathered, what you are using it for, and that you ask visitors consent before taking it.

Make sure to keep checking back on the HostPapa Blog for more business insights.

Ryan is a self-described geek. He's an avid gamer, a fan of science-fiction literature and an aspiring author and journalist. At HostPapa, he focuses on creating content to help small business owners make the most of their entrepreneurship experience.

decorative squiggle

Skyrocket your online business with our powerful Shared Hosting

Shared Hosting from HostPapa is suited for all your business needs! No‑risk 30‑day money‑back guarantee. 99.9% uptime guarantee. 24/7 support. Free setup & domain name.†

Related Posts

HostPapa Mustache