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Data Protection for Small Business

The Data Protection Act 2018 updates data protection regulations for small business in United Kingdom. So how does the digital age affect small businesses and how must they respond to stay within the law? It supports businesses in their use of public and of private data. The Data Protection Act 2018 also gives people more control over their own data.

The previous Data Protection Act became law in 1998. Since then, digital technology has revolutionized almost every facet of daily life.

The most recent update received Royal Assent on the 23rd of May 2018. The purpose of the new United Kingdom Data Protection Act is to:

  • Empower citizens to take greater control of their own personal data.
  • Safeguard the UK data protection laws and make them fit for a digital age of ever increasing amounts of data processing.
  • Support UK businesses and organisations during the change and ensure they are prepared for the future after leaving the EU.

The UK implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) also involves strong cyber security. It is a key component of securing personal information online.

How Data Protection Impacts Business

  • Most organisations have already operated at standards set forth by the Data Protection Act 1998. So, those businesses will be well placed to attain the new standards.
  • Exchanging information with the EU and international community is fundamental to many businesses. The new Act places UK organisations in the best position to continue doing so.
  • The Information Commissioner has worked with businesses to comply with the new Act. They will be taking a fair and reasonable approach to data protection enforcement.

Improving Cyber Security

Some organisations will need to improve their cyber security. Protecting IT systems from malicious interference combines closely with effective data protection.

So, how else will the implementation of the GDPR standards impact business? Those that handle personal data must evaluate the risks of processing it. They will also need to put appropriate measures in place to mitigate any such risks.

Small and Medium Size Organisations

You can get practical advice on how to follow the new data protection laws from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). They also provide guidance on improving small business data protection practices. It is important to know how to keep customer and employee personal information secure.

The General Data Protection Regulation

The ICO aims to help companies of all sizes, from sole traders to medium sized organisations. It has produced a package of tools and resources to aid GDPR compliance. All business need to comply with their legal obligations since the new law came into full effect on the 25th of May 2018.

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Data Protection Regulations for Small Business in United Kingdom