Personal Data and How it is Protected by Privacy Laws

Every business gathers information about staff and customers however, certain information is considered to be http://www.bizinfoportal.co.uk/2021/02/12/advantages-of-a-business-information-portal/ personal and is subject to privacy laws. In 2014 an unhappy Morrisons employee leaked contact details for customers and staff. The business was fined as it had violated privacy laws. The definition of personal information is used by several global privacy laws, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation.

This includes information on an individual’s habits, activities and connections that can be used to identify them. For example, a name and address, an phone number or email address can be used to identify people and also video, images and recordings of conversations with your employees and customers. The GDPR requires that you protect personal data that is sensitive and makes disclosure and consent mandatory.

Sensitive information is deemed to be more vulnerable to misuse which is why it receives more protection under a variety of global privacy laws. This might include biometric, health, or political associations information. You will need to obtain explicit, unambiguous and clear consent prior to processing sensitive information. The level of security required will depend on the laws that govern your state.

You might need to conduct an inventory of all laptops, computers, digital copiers and other equipment within your company to discover where you store personal data. You should check your computer systems, file cabinets and the home computers, flash drive mobile devices, as well as other equipment utilized by employees. You should also consider the personal information your business receives from third parties and suppliers.