The new regulation will target user data safety.
What is GDPR?
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a new policy taking effect in the European Union (EU) this Friday, May 25, 2018. This measure was put in place to ensure the safety and control of all internet users in the EU when it comes to privacy and personal data. At its core, GDPR covers user privacy with regards to explicit consent, rights to data and breach notification. As a result, businesses will be required to provide the same level of protection for personal identification information for things like an individual’s IP address or cookie data as they do for name, address, date of birth and Social Security number. To learn more about GDPR and the background in how it became law, click here.
How Does It Affect U.S.-based Businesses and Organizations?
While this policy was put in place by the EU, it has an effect on business websites in the United States and across the globe. Any company that collects personal data on citizens in the EU over the web will need to comply with the new rules. Those who are found not in compliance can “face large fines up to 4% of a company’s annual global revenue OR €20 million (whichever is greater)” (WPbeginner.com).
Our Take
GDPR is a monumental regulation for the protection of personal data worldwide. While its rules do not apply to all websites stateside, we believe the standard laid out within the text of the GDPR should serve as the bar for the treatment of user data across the internet.
As web design professionals and digital marketing consultants, we hold ourselves to a high standard when it comes to website quality, which includes the way a website handles user data. To ensure that each website we build meets the most recent innovations in content management, all of our websites are built using WordPress. We have built more than 85 optimized, responsive websites for businesses all over the United States as well as in Great Britain.
With the recent release of WordPress 4.9.6, all WordPress-powered websites have the ability to “erase personal data” upon request. This feature, combined with the installation and configuration of the Cookie Notice plugin (learn more), provides a solid approach to notifying website visitors of how their data is used and protected. In addition to those features, it is important for all businesses to review and update their Privacy page and Terms of Service (see plugin details) to ensure that users understand how their data is being used. To learn more about the how WordPress has ensured GDPR compliance, click here. If your website is powered by WordPress and you sell or provide services to EU citizens, you may want to check out the new GDPR plugin (learn more) as a compliance resource.
Digital Opps works diligently to stay up-to-date on current web design trends and WordPress development innovations. We strive to provide a product that is optimized for our customers, which includes protecting their website visitor data. If you would like to learn more about how we can build or enhance your website presence through an eye-catching and high-converting website, click here!