GDPR and Brexit

The General Data Protection Regulation was conceived in Europe, so surely our exit from the European Union means that we can ignore GDPR?

Afraid not!

This is not a political issue. It’s a business problem.

The GDPR comes into effect on 25 May 2018 and at that point we will still be a member state.  Equally, we will remain – in some shape or form –  a trading partner of the EU. Therefore, we will need to play by the EU rules if we want to sell to them.

The UK will adapt identical provisions within our national law (the Data Protection Bill is currently working its way through the Houses of Parliament).

If your business is targeting EU citizens, then you will be caught by the GDPR. That could be as simple as selling online and offering prices in euros, or delivering goods to someone resident in the EU. Personal data you are collecting or processing on those EU citizens will be covered by the GDPR.

Whilst we are still unsure of how our final exit deal will look, if the negotiations lead to us remaining within the European Economic Area (EEA) after leaving the EU, then GDPR will remain in force automatically.

You should obtain GDPR compliance advice now. Whatever the size of your business, if the control or processing of personal data is involved this needs to be your priority.

For those prepared to take the risk, be aware that with the new fines regime, it could bring about penalties that are hard to recover from, both financially and reputationally.

If you are concerned about how your business will comply with the GDPR, then speak to our data protection team now.  The clock is ticking.

Time is running out, the GDPR will come into force on the 25th May 2018, don’t get caught out! Click here to read our 12 steps to GDPR compliance.

The information and opinions contained in this blog are for information only. They are not intended to constitute advice and should not be relied upon or considered as a replacement for advice. Before acting on any of the information contained in this blog, please seek specific advice from Gilson Gray.