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Did you know that legal issues are the most common reason startups fail? Sometimes the only mistake is that the startup doesn't take care of legal issues properly. We've created a list of GDPR compliance requirements for startups and are sharing it with you today.
GDPR or General Data Protection Regulation is a governing document that regulates all data collection and processing by online businesses in the EU. GDPR sets the set of main rules that companies, planning to collect data on the territory of the EU, have to adhere to and protect the users that share their personal information with them.
No matter the size of the company you have, you must comply with GDPR. The rules are just the same for startups and bigger businesses. The consequences of not following GDPR can be very heavy, especially if you don’t have the financial ability to recover from it.
The most simple way to make sure that your business complies with GDPR is to follow a simple list of steps and understand what needs to be done.
There is no way you will be able to protect the information you gather if you don’t fully understand it. Look into the data you collect and process, who is in control of it, where it goes and how is it stored. By looking at the clear picture of the data map, you will make more organized decisions.
The most basic step is to understand if you have a lawful basis to collect and process users’ data. There are six lawful bases of data collection:
GDPR obliges the company, no matter how big or widespread it is, to have a clear and legally correct Privacy Policy. In addition, you will also need a Cookie Policy if you collect cookies. In case, you need more information on how to create these documents, you should go straight to our guide.
Even the biggest companies are not wholly protected from data breaches. However, there is a way to be more prepared and deal with the consequences quickly and efficiently. A disaster recovery plan that will have a set of steps to follow in case of a data breach will help you to keep your business stable no matter what.
Data Protection Authorities are the ones who issue fines for GDPR violations, but they are also the ones who can give advice and help you take care of your data. To register you will have to pay an annual fee to the agency and the amount depends on the establishment.
If your business is based in the EU, you should register in the country where you are based. If not in the EU, you should choose an agency in the country where you practice the most operations.
Make sure that the information you collect is stored in a secure place — that is what will help you to prevent a data breach.
Even though your company might be registered somewhere else, it will be much easier if you store your data in the European Union. This way, GDPR compliance will be more simple.
Keeping data organized will be much easier if you appoint one professional to take care of it. Data Protection Officer will be the one that you can go to with every question regarding data collection and processing.
Having a Cookie policy is not enough to be GDPR-compliant. If you gather cookies, your banner must clearly tell about the reasons why and explain which information you gather and where you store it.
The same is with the email subscription banner. GDPR demands companies give their customers the right to decline and discontinue their subscription to emails at any time. Also, your customers must be informed of that.
After mapping your data, you will understand that most of the information you gather, you don’t really need. Limiting the information might not seem an option, but actually, it is a good way to understand what data you actually need and what only takes space in the storage.
After you have everything ready, you can create a manual of data collection processes that will make sure that everyone is following the right path. The organization is the best way to keep yourself out of any legal quarrel.
Startups have an opportunity to set their legal matters right at the beginning, which is much easier than the bigger businesses find it. Using this list of steps, you will be able to make sure that your company is protected from any data breaks and issues. If you want to be confident in your GDPR compliance, you can refer to the third party providing legal support for a startup.
Avitar helped many online businesses to understand and correct their legal mistakes and will easily do that for you.
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business@avitar.legal
Violetta Loseva
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Serhii Floreskul
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