Call Accounting Featured Article

Compliance Not Optional in GDPR Era

  By Maurice Nagle, Web Editor

In April 2016, GDPR earned approval, and now, two years later it’s time to pay the piper, so to speak. In a little over a month, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will come into effect. For those firms well versed in this disruptive piece of legislation I salute you, but businesses not currently engaged in compliance efforts consider this article fair warning for what lies ahead.

In broad strokes, May 25 marks the first official day of the GDPR era. This means if your organization does business with any customers in the European Union, handling personal data practices are likely about to change. Defining personal data as, “Any information related to a Natural Person or Data Subject, that can be used to directly or indirectly, indentify the person,” the statute notes “Any processing of personal data and the permissions to use that data has to be transparent.”

A robust compliance plan requires a great deal of attention turned to communications – Including interactions in the contact center, a video conference, IM and more. The comprehensive nature of the legislation is driving businesses toward deploying Unified Communications Reporting and Recording solutions.  There no margin for error in a GDPR regulated world.

Aside from an angry customer from misused or misplaced data, any breach of GDPR brings a fine of €20 million or up to 4 % of annual global turnover. Whichever amount is larger your business will pay.

There is minimal upfront investment required in creating compliant business operations. In a customer-centric world, it is paramount to take the proper precautions to offer peace of mind. Compliance is not optional. For those who figured it was, the clock is ticking.

Does your business have a GDPR compliance plan in place?