The Dos And Don’ts Around Consent For GDPR Compliance 

When it comes to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the new rules for compliance are creating many drastic changes in the way businesses operate, particularly when it comes to collecting, managing and storing data of customers and potential business interests.  

Undeniably, GDPR is setting a higher standard in data protection. However, some of the information in the EU regulation can be confusing. In fact, some firms are left wholly baffled in regard to what their organisation needs to do. Furthermore, many myths are circulating the new regulation which is adding to the difficulty in becoming compliant.  

One of the aspects that is causing problems is the regulations surrounding consent. To help your organisation to gain consent and collect data in a lawful and compliant way, read on for our top tips on how your business should handle consent for GDPR compliance success.  

Top tips for GDPR compliant consent 

Do offer individuals a choice 

One of the primary areas of focus of GDPR is to give back data control to individuals, so that they can decide who has and uses their data. Your consent should be clear and concise. You need to show consumers that they have control as to whether they consent to your terms and conditions regarding their data.  

The benefit of providing individuals with a choice does not just ensure your organisation achieves GDPR compliance. Giving your customers control can help to establish your business reputation. Your explicit consent methods will build trust, engagement and honesty which can enhance your reputation and improve customer satisfaction.  

Don’t have pre-ticked opt-in boxes 

Having pre-ticked boxes is no longer an acceptable way to gain consent under the new GDPR rules. GDPR requires consent to be affirmative, and individuals must be able to access an easy way to exercise their right to withdraw consent. By having pre-ticked boxes, you do not allow customers the opportunity to give their consent actively.  

Another consideration is that consent must be explicit and easy to understand. You can still use a box for the customer to opt-in to provide their permission, but you should remove any advanced ticking. The customer should be the one to decide on their data sharing based on an action they complete themselves.  

Do make sure data processing is lawful 

In some circumstances, you do not need to gain consent to comply with the GDPR regulation. For some businesses, consent may not be a viable option. However, GDPR will allow exceptions for approval, providing they have a legal basis. For example, consent is not required for these lawful circumstances; 

  • Data processing is necessary for public interest 
  • An official authority has a vested interest in data processing 
  • Data processing is needed to comply with a legal obligation 
  • To fulfil a contract with the subject, data handling is vital 
  • Processing data can protect the interests of the individual.  
  • Data processing is needed for legitimate reasons by a controller or third-party. In this case, the rights of freedom of the subject are overridden.  

Don’t wait to change your consent process  

The fines for non-compliance can be devastating for a business. If a company does not comply with the GDPR regulation, firms may be hit with a £17 million penalty or a fine that is equal to 4% of the annual turnover. While this can severely impact a business, avoiding fines should not be your sole driver for maintaining compliance.  

A business should strive for compliance to show their professionality, trust and honesty. A firm that is committed to legal compliance will prove to customers their transparent policy and focus on following the best practice in the industry. The sooner your business can assure compliance, the sooner you can focus your organisation on further improvements to help your customers.  

Achieve GDPR compliance with Cyan Solutions 

At Cyan Solutions, our team are well-versed in the new GDPR regulations. If your business is struggling to separate the facts from fiction regarding the new rules, then Cyan Solutions can help. Working together with your organisation to understand your data collecting and processing requirements, Cyan Solutions can advise with creating a good governance approach to help make sure your business plans for GDPR compliance, and maintains industry best practice approaches. 

Our team are available to help, and with the deadline ticking closer, it is vital to act now. Get in touch with our friendly team of experts by calling 02392 333 365 or emailing [email protected] and start your GDPR compliance journey today.

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