What is GDPR?

GDPR, everyone is talking about it. If you are subscribed to any service you have gotten an email about it.  At a minimum I have received 50 emails regarding GDPR.

What does GDPR stand for? "General Data Protection Regulation"


What is it?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (EU) 2016/679 is a regulation in EU law on data protection and privacy for all individuals within the European Union and the European Economic Area. It also addresses the export of personal data outside the EU and EEA.


1. GDPR effects you if you live or do business in countries that are apart of the European Union.


2. Its a big deal because the internet is every where and it is very easy for everyone to do business in the European Union even if your company is not located there.


3. Essentially GDPR is a regulation that tells companies how they can collect your personal data, what they can do with it , and that they have to disclose this all to you. That is of course if you allow them to do anything with your data at all.



GDPR has no effect on businesses that are doing business with those outside the European Union. Everything remains the same. The big reason many are jumping on board is because many believe this will usher in a new era of data protection on the internet and make for a safer net. Unfortunately many are finding it very confusing because of how vague the regulations are written. This is leading to many over reacting on how to enforce the regulations for their companies.

As of the morning of may 25th which is the first real day this goes into effect the BBC is reporting that many US news sites are unavailable in the EU. In the age of targeted advertising on news sites, many sites have opted for the moment to shut down to the EU in an attempt to avoid fines. If it's confusing then do not make the mistake and keep doing the same thing seems to be the logic.


How could GDPR effect you as a business owner in the US. It is unclear for many small businesses if it will at all hurt you at this point. If you are not doing business internationally at this point or never plan to, then its not going to be a real problem. However I am sure the US government will roll something out similar in the years to come. This also begins a new era for IT. It has long been an unregulated area in the world. GDPR is the first real regulation that can be enforced. This is the first real regulation that changes how IT does their work. If you think GDPR may effect your business you need to contact me. 

I own DataCom Technologies we are a cyber-security and computer management company. We are working hard to understand and prepare you for GDPR if in fact you need help with this regulation.