GDPR- Answering the 5 most popular queries on QUORA
The GDPR implications are getting real every day as the preparation period comes to an end this May 25th 2018. Ever since the announcement of GDPR rules, there have been a lot of debates, discussions, confusions and queries on GDPR. Quora being one of the most popular social platforms on feeding curiosity had an array of questions that we answer today!
Quora is a social media platform where people exchange knowledge about every imaginable subject. So the very important GDPR was soon one of the most favorite topics to be discussed and quizzed on Quora. So we got sown to searching the five most popular and important questions asked by people on Quora to shed some light on all the queries heating up the media platform.
Question1: Will GDPR affect email marketing?
The first thing you must understand is the GDPR by no means makes email marketing illegal. However in order to be GDPR compliant, make sure you are doing these steps properly: Collecting, using and storing the data according TO GDPR rules. You need full consent of your clients to do ALL of these three steps. So that your client is comfortable with you collecting and using the data and storing it for future references. It’s a good idea to have a checkbox for consents for three categories of data usage such as: Order processing, marketing purposes and statistics or transfer to other companies. Email security must be given priority in this case. Your controller needs to be fully aware of how the personal data are being handles. All in all, GDPR does not ban email marketing but it does provide some protocols to ensure data privacy of individuals.
Question2: How do I get a certificate on being GDPR compliant?
A lot of people confuse being GDPR compliant with GDPR certified. It is important to understand that they are not the same. When your business is GDPR compliant, it means you are trying the best to follow the rules of GDPR but being GDPR certified means that a panel of judgement has decided that you truly are GDPR compliant. In that case, currently there are no certification processes being held to give a business the title of being GDPR certified. However, some companies like HITRUST are working towards that goal.
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Question3: Will the GDPR affect businesses outside EU?
If your business, even by the smallest measures, takes any sort of data from clients in the EU region or has any sort of operations related to businesses in EU, you must follow GDPR rules for your European clients, business partners, etc. It is regardless of whether it is a simple survey conducted by your business in any of the European Union jurisdiction or any minor interaction but yet it is GDPR applicable. So it is best practice to know the rules and to apply them accordingly. On the other hand, if your business has no operations at all in the EU then you do not need to comply with GDPR laws as it does not affect you, your clients or business partners in any way.
Question4: What are the main effects of GDPR on a business?
The GDPR will cause a lot of effects in the business arena as it deals with personal data like never before. One of the main effects is the role of data controllers in every business will become a significant part. Since GDPR will be a crucial part to most businesses, it is apparent that the duty of a data controller has also become very vital. E-commerce arena will also be hugely affected as it deals with a lot of personal information and will have to be very cautious in integrating GDPR laws into the infrastructure. Business analytics will play a huge role in seeing if data privacy has encouraged customers to indulge their personal information more willingly. Lastly but most importantly, if GDPR is implemented correctly it is likely to be a great move to make your business seem authentic and increases the overall standard of communication of your business.
Question5: How much of a negative impact will GDPR have on sales people?
The answer to this is a solid NO. Of course like a lot of other aspects, the way a business or salespeople deal with consumers will have to evolve. For example, the clients will have complete right to remain anonymous so your sales agent can’t just reveal someone’s identity without their consent. The sole focus of GDPR is to protect people’s right to privacy by protecting their data. The only effect GDPR has on salespeople is that they need to be aware of GDPR laws and use them when dealing with a customer. If your company hires a lot of salespeople, it is advisable that you set up a training program or a seminar to educate the sales people of your organization about GDPR.
One major caution when looking at social media queries such as Quora questions is the authenticity of the answer. Don’t just fall for any answer but rather research on the topic a bit. Some companies are really trying to get useful information about GDPR published. A few businesses like Tomorrow System are offering free consultation that would otherwise cost a lot of money to guide you through the GDPR compliance process.
There are a lot of speculations based on GDPR and what it might bring on. It is completely okay to be curious and confused by all the discussions that are taking place. So go ahead and ASK all the questions no matter how unimportant or silly they may seem! We will try our best to answer!
