Data can be considered the pulse of modern society. It’s a valuable lifeline that runs through just about everything in business. For this reason, data privacy, protection, and compliance are fundamental.
But not only because sensitive consumer data can be exposed through hacking and data breaches; a single data security mishap can ruin a brand’s reputation. Moreover, the average cost of a data breach is over $4 million, enough to cripple an organization. A majority of data security incidents occur due to employee errors. So it is vital to provide employees with routine training through informative videos and refresher sessions to ensure all staff has an appreciation of the importance of data protection and compliance.
Adobe real-time CDP is software designed to enable organizations to collect and process customer data while staying compliant. This platform is just one way to stay on top of data use and relevant laws.
Nevertheless, these three data laws are fundamental regulations that all employees must be aware of.
The General Data Protection Regulation
The General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, is an EU regulation that aims to give consumers and employees the right to control their personal data. This data law outlines obligations for data controllers and data processors, defines individuals’ rights in the digital world, obligations of those processing data, measures to ensure compliance, and sanctions for anyone that breaches these rules.
In some cases, data controllers must provide notifications during a data breach. In these circumstances, businesses must rely on a data protection officer as an additional measure of security to prevent data breaches in the future.
Data Protection Act 2018
The Data Protection Act of 2018 is the implementation of the GDPR as a complementing regulatory act. This act ensures that anyone processing personal data adheres to strict rules known as data protection principles. These principles include lawfulness and transparency, purpose limitation, data minimization, accuracy, accountability, integrity and confidentiality, and data storage limitation.
With this, organizations must ensure that data is collected in a secure way that cannot compromise regulations. Individuals must have complete transparency regarding their data use. Personal data may only be collected for a defined and specific purpose; organizations may not process data further unless the data can be used for public interest, scientific research, or historical research.
In addition, data minimization ensures organizations may only collect minimal essential data. Other principles of the Data Protection Act limit how businesses can collect, use, and store data.
The Computer Misuse Act 1990
The Computer Misuse Act of 1990 is the primary law to prosecute unauthorized access to computer systems. This act criminalizes hacking to secure personal data and business intellectual property.
CMA regulations prosecute instances of unauthorized access to computer systems, unauthorized access with intent to commit additional criminal offenses, and any unauthorized act that intends to impair the operation of computer systems.
All organizations need to uphold data protection laws and regulations. These laws aim to guide businesses on the lawful methods of processing personal data to ensure a fair and just society in the digital era. Beyond the legalities, consumers also tend to support organizations that prove data compliance above those that don’t.