"The GDPR craze is over" is the joke in business, but the fact that lawyers are educating the market less and less about the possible fine levels does not mean that the GDPR is "retired". This is also evidenced by the fine imposed on Vinted yesterday. But this time, let's not talk about the fine or the articles for which the company was fined, especially since the courts are likely to have their say in this case in the near future as well, but let's look at the lessons we can learn from what we know.
Transparency and data subject rights
Organizations must clearly communicate what data is collected, how it is used, and on what legal basis it is processed. It is also essential to provide data subjects with the possibility to easily exercise their data rights, such as accessing or deleting their data. In order to do this, the organization itself needs to be clear about what data it processes, for what purposes, and where it is stored, as well as its realistic ability to exercise the rights of data subjects to comply with requests where the organization is obliged to do so.
Active Implementation of Policies
Having comprehensive data protection policies is insufficient if they are not effectively enforced. This involves regular employee training, clear guidelines, and continuous monitoring to ensure compliance.
Regular Audits and monitoring
Conducting frequent audits and real-time monitoring of data processing activities helps ensure compliance with GDPR. These audits should check not just for the presence of policies but also for their effective implementation.
Adaptability of Systems
Data protection measures should be adaptable to address new challenges and regulatory updates. Organizations must be able to quickly respond to any data protection issues that arise and adjust their practices accordingly.
In summary, transparency, active enforcement of policies, user-friendly interfaces for data rights, and ongoing audits are all crucial elements. By focusing on these aspects, organizations can better protect personal data and maintain compliance with GDPR, ultimately safeguarding clients trust.
