The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has introduced a number of challenges for businesses and organizations. Here are some of the most common issues they face when working to meet GDPR requirements:
1. Complexity of GDPR Compliance
The Challenge: Interpreting and implementing GDPR guidelines can be overwhelming, especially for smaller organizations that lack specialized legal or data protection teams.
Examples: Terms like “legitimate interest,” “data minimization,” and “privacy by design” can be difficult to understand and require specific expertise.
Impact: High costs for hiring legal advisors, consultants, or additional compliance staff.
Solution: Using a GDPR tool for WordPress like the Complianz Privacy Suite or GDPR Consent Pro plugin for WordPress can help streamline your GDPR compliance and manages your cookies. This tool provides features such as GDPR cookie consent, GDPR cookie compliance, and managing GDPR consent, making it easier to implement and track compliance.
Approach
Build Internal Expertise: Appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) or provide role-specific GDPR training to employees.
Leverage Frameworks and Tools: Use structured compliance frameworks like ISO 27701 and tools like the Complianz plugin for automating GDPR cookie consent and managing GDPR consent.
Engage Experts: Consult legal or GDPR experts for guidance on tricky concepts such as “legitimate interest” and “consent.”
Create Clear Policies: Develop clear GDPR policies for data handling, security, and retention to ensure consistent practices.
2. Data Mapping and Inventory
The Challenge: Organizations must keep a detailed record of all personal data they process, including its purpose, storage location, and how it flows through the system.
Examples: Identifying hidden IT systems, outdated databases, or unorganized data, like email archives.
Impact: Time-consuming tasks and the risk of errors or missing systems.
Solution: A GDPR cookie compliance plugin can simplify data mapping by tracking how cookies and personal data are handled across your website. Tools like Complianz plugin can help automate cookie consent management and ensure accurate record-keeping.
Approach
Conduct a Data Audit: Create an inventory of all personal data your organization processes, including its purpose and storage locations.
Adopt Data Discovery Tools: Use tools like the Complianz Privacy Suite or GDPR cookie compliance plugin to track personal data and cookies.
Implement Data Minimization: Identify unnecessary or outdated data and delete it securely.
Centralize Data Management: Use centralized systems to make it easier to track and update data.
3. Managing Data Subject Rights
The Challenge: Responding to requests from individuals (e.g., access, correction, deletion, or portability of their data) can be a resource-heavy process.
Examples: Locating a person’s data across multiple systems and providing it in a usable format within the required 30-day period.
Impact: Strain on IT and customer service teams, especially for businesses with high customer interaction volumes.
Solution: Automating data subject rights responses through GDPR tools can streamline workflows. Using templates and systems integrated with GDPR consent features ensures timely and accurate handling of requests.
Approach
Streamline Processes: Set up clear workflows for handling data subject requests (DSRs) and train staff to respond quickly.
Automate Responses: Use tools like GDPR tools that automate parts of the process, such as verifying identities and generating data reports.
Predefine Templates: Create templates for common requests, such as access or deletion.
Regular Testing: Run mock exercises to ensure your team can meet response deadlines.
4.Third-Party and Vendor Compliance
The Challenge: Ensuring that third-party vendors who process personal data are also GDPR-compliant.
Examples: Performing due diligence, signing Data Processing Agreements (DPAs), and monitoring vendor activities.
Impact: Risk of liability for vendor non-compliance, leading to financial and reputational damage.
Solution: Ensure all third-party vendors have their own GDPR policies in place and are integrated with your compliance efforts. This includes managing cookie consent through the use of a GDPR cookie consent solution, like Complianz Privacy Suite, to ensure your vendors are aligned with your compliance standards.
Approach
Conduct Vendor Assessments: Regularly evaluate vendors’ GDPR compliance, both when onboarding and periodically after.
Use Data Processing Agreements (DPAs): Ensure contracts with vendors clearly outline their GDPR obligations.
Monitor Vendor Compliance: Use audit rights to periodically assess vendor security measures and request compliance reports.
Reduce Vendor Risks: Limit third-party access to data and replace non-compliant vendors with more suitable options.
5. Risk of Fines and Data Breaches
The Challenge: Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines (up to €20 million or 4% of global turnover) and damage to your reputation.
Examples: Data leaks, incorrect consent collection, or failing to report breaches within 72 hours.
Impact: Financial penalties, legal challenges, and loss of customer trust.
Solution: Protect your business with strong cookie consent banners and regular audits to ensure GDPR cookie compliance. Using a best privacy policy generator ensures that your website’s policies are up-to-date and fully compliant with GDPR.
Approach
Invest in Security Measures: Implement strong encryption, access controls, and intrusion detection systems. Keep systems up-to-date with regular vulnerability assessments.
Develop a Breach Response Plan: Create a clear plan for handling and reporting data breaches and train staff to recognize potential issues.
Maintain Documentation: Keep accurate records of all data processing activities, including consent collection and compliance decisions.
Engage in Regular Audits: Regular internal or external audits help identify and address compliance gaps.
Purchase Cyber Insurance: Protect against financial losses from fines or legal actions with appropriate coverage.
Key Tools and Resources:
Compliance Management Platforms: OneTrust, TrustArc, LogicGate.
Data Discovery and Classification Tools: Varonis, Collibra, Spirion.
Incident Management Tools: Jira, ServiceNow with GDPR workflows.
GDPR Cookie Compliance Tools: Complianz Privacy Suite, Complianz plugin, GDPR Consent Pro plugin for WordPress, best privacy policy generators for GDPR cookie consent.
By applying these strategies and using tools like the GDPR cookie compliance plugins, and GDPR tools for WordPress, organizations can better navigate the complexities of GDPR compliance while minimizing risks and protecting user data.
