GDPR For Business - What I learned from the training course

I recently joined the team at MDdm Ltd, working with organisations to implement a practical GDPR framework. As part of my induction I completed the online training course GDPR for Business (link). I thought  the course provided invaluable insights into the complexities of this important area. Familiarising myself with GDPR through this course wasn't just about learning the rules; it was about understanding the human impact of data processing. Through this course, I learned how GDPR empowers individuals – giving them control over their data, the right to access their information, and even the right to compensation for data breaches.

This knowledge will allow me to effectively advise organisations on how to comply with the law while respecting the rights of their data subjects. I’m sure this will be a challenging role, but also a rewarding one, ensuring that organisations understand their obligations and navigate the ever-evolving data protection landscape.

What it does

I learned that GDPR empowers individuals by giving them more control over their personal data, including the right to access, correct, and even delete their information. It also allows them to object to how their data is used, such as for direct marketing, and provides the right to compensation for damages caused by data breaches. For organisations, GDPR demands a shift towards transparency and accountability. They must be clear about how they use personal data, implement robust security measures, and demonstrate compliance. This includes conducting risk assessments, designing privacy into their systems, and adhering to strict data protection principles. GDPR also redefines the rules for data processing, introduces mandatory breach notifications, and significantly increases the penalties for non-compliance, emphasizing the importance of data protection in today's digital world.

Terms, Definitions, Principles and Requirements

At the GDPR’s core, it is about empowering individuals and making sure organisations are held accountable for how they handle our personal data. It can be thought of as ‘data subjects’ – meaning anyone whose information is being collected; ‘controllers’ – the companies that decide how data is used; and ‘processors’ – those who handle data on the controllers behalf. 

Key principles like ‘lawfulness, fairness, and transparency’ emphasise that data processing must be clear and candid. Data subjects have the right to know what data is being collected, how it's used, and even to request its deletion (that's the "Right to Erasure”). Organisations need to be transparent about their data practices, conduct thorough risk assessments, and ensure robust security measures are in place. GDPR isn't just about rules and regulations; it's about building trust between individuals and the organisations they interact with.

Factors Organisations Need to Consider to be Compliant

As someone who recently completed the GDPR course, I've gained a deeper appreciation for the complexities of data protection. To stay compliant, organisations must go beyond simply collecting data; they need to understand the 'why' behind every bit of information they gather. This means having a clear and lawful basis for processing data and being completely transparent with individuals about how their information is used. Robust security measures are non-negotiable, from strong passwords and encryption to rigorous security audits. 

Employee training is also of paramount importance – everyone needs to understand their role in safeguarding sensitive information. Navigating the GDPR requires a proactive and ongoing commitment to data protection, but the rewards – increased trust, enhanced brand reputation, and reduced legal risks – make it well worth the effort.

Individual Rights relating to Personal Data

GDPR empowers customers with significant control over their personal data.  They have the right to know how your data is being used, including what information is being collected and how it's processed. This information should be clearly outlined in a company's Privacy Policy. Customers also have the right to access their own customer data, meaning they can request a copy of the information a company holds about them. If any of this information is inaccurate, they have the right to rectification. Furthermore, they have the right to restrict the processing of your data in certain situations, and even the right to erasure (also known as the right to be forgotten) meaning they can request the deletion of your data under specific circumstances. 

Importantly, customers/data subjects have the right to object to the processing of their data, including activities like profiling and automated decision-making, such as those used in loan applications. This ensures that human intervention is possible in critical situations. Finally, the right to data portability allows you to easily transfer your data between different service providers. These rights collectively empower individuals and help to ensure that their personal data is handled responsibly and ethically.

My Role: To Ensure that Personal Data is Handled with Care

 At Maeve Dunne Data Management (MDDM), my role is to be a guardian of data privacy within organisations. We can be imagined as the internal experts on all things GDPR, navigating the complex world of data protection laws. We act as a point of contact for both employees and individuals whose data is being processed, providing guidance and answering questions. 

We at MDDM monitor compliance with data protection regulations, conduct data protection impact assessments, and advise on data protection risks. We also act as a liaison with the supervisory authority, ensuring that the organisations we work with remain compliant and addresses any concerns raised. In essence, we play a crucial role in fostering a culture of data protection within the organisations we work with, ensuring that individuals' rights are respected and that companies operate in accordance with the law.