General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Over the past few months, we have all seen the updates to website’s privacy policies. From banners to email notifications, it seems to be just about everywhere. And it all has that funny little acronym, GDPR. So, what is it? GDPR or General Data Protection Regulation is a privacy policy law that changes the rules for companies that collect, store, or process information on residents of the EU (European Union). Ok, so why are you seeing it when you are here in the US?
Let’s take a step back first and understand what the GDPR means for websites and users. In a nutshell, the new law requires more openness about the personal data companies collect and who they share it with. Thus, allowing internet users more freedom to control their personal data. The law officially went into effect on May 25, 2018. Hence all the recent privacy policy updates.
What does this mean for me?
All of our clients are US based small businesses. No doubt you have also seen US-based businesses update their privacy policy due to the GDPR. The quick reason is due to Article 3 of the GDPR. It states that if you collect personal data or behavioral information from someone in an EU country, your company is subject to the requirements of GDPR. First, this would only count if the person was physically in the EU. Secondly, it doesn’t mean financial information, it also includes what we like to call personally identifiable information (PII). This includes email, name, and phone number.
But, wait don’t my contact forms collect all that? Yes. But there is a difference that this policy makes clear. For GDPR to be a requirement, you have to be targeting EU users. And, generic marketing doesn’t count. Therefore, as a US company, unless your target market is outside the US, the GDPR doesn’t really apply to you.
Your Privacy Policy
Even though the GDPR may not apply to your company we still take privacy very seriously. That is why we have updated privacy policies on all websites we maintain, which do include quite a few new things that are in the GDPR. Another step you can take, and one that we recommend, is buying an SSL certificate. This helps protect any visitors to your website. Added benefit? Search engines love it too. That means sites with an SSL are likely to rank higher in search than those without. Do you see the https on the top of your browser next to our domain? That is exactly what it looks like. If you purchase an SSL, Color Fire will install it to your website free of charge.
To sum it up, you are protected by our updates to your privacy policy. If you ever feel like extending your target market to the EU, please talk with us so we can make sure your marketing and privacy policy work for you. Also, if you have any questions or would like to have an SSL installed, call or email us today to get started.
