More and more companies now rely on data to move their businesses forward…
GDPR was introduced in 2018, helping regulate the way all businesses manage their data – and replacing the current Data Protection Act.
Here’s everything you need to know about GDPR, and how it could even help you find a brand new role:
What is GDPR?
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a law that applies to any company that holds data on European citizens.
GDPR applies to any organisation that processes the personal data of EU residents, regardless of where the organisation is based, and non-compliance can result in fines.
When does the GDPR come into effect?
GDPR was passed by the European Union (EU) in 2016, and officially implemented in May 2018
What data does the GDPR cover?
Data classified as ‘personal data’ or ‘sensitive personal data’ is covered by the GDPR.
Examples of data that fall under these categories include everything from telephone numbers and personal addresses, through to online data such as IP addresses, emails and even medical or HR records.
What is the Data Protection Act?
The Data Protection Act (DPA) was the previous legislation put in place to protect people’s personal data – and has been formally replaced by GDPR.
The main differences between GDPR and the DPA are that it’s a lot stricter, ensuring businesses can only collect personal data for valid reasons – and must delete it once it’s no longer needed.
GDPR also ensures that only those who need the data can access it. That’s where a Data Protection Officer comes in.
What is a Data Protection Officer?
Businesses need Data Protection Officers (DPOs) to ensure ongoing compliance with the GDPR. A DPO is responsible for overseeing data protection strategies and ensuring adherence to GDPR regulations.
Three types of organisations are required to appoint a DPO:
- Public authorities
- Companies that engage in large-scale, systematic monitoring of individuals
- Companies that process large volumes of sensitive data or data related to criminal convictions and offenses
In practice, most medium to large businesses, especially those with marketing or customer service operations, are likely to need a DPO.
Why is Data Protection important?
There are severe penalties for those businesses that don’t comply with the GDPR – totalling up to €20 million or 4% of global turnover (whichever is the higher).
These stiff penalties are in order to make sure large multinationals and internet giants take GDPR seriously. Consequently, many global businesses have made changes to meet GDPR requirements, even if they are not based in Europe.
As a result, Data Protection Officers are in high-demand, with median salaries already exceeding £50,000. And this figure is only likely to increase in the coming years.
How do I become a Data Protection Officer?
If you’re interested in learning more about GDPR or pursuing a career as a Data Protection Officer, there are various GDPR courses available to help you get started:
- Beginner courses provide a condensed overview of GDPR, covering changes in data collection and handling, and how the regulation impacts businesses.
- Intermediate courses offer a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of GDPR. Many of these courses are self-paced and can be completed online in a few hours.
- Advanced courses focus on practical applications, guiding you through the development and implementation of GDPR-compliant strategies.
These courses are available in various formats, including in-person and online, making it easy to find one that fits your needs.
How to become a Data Protection Officer
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