10 Steps for Reaching Global Data Privacy Compliance

Serving customers effectively while meeting ever-changing global data privacy regulations is complicated. We offer 10 tips to help companies tackle these challenges.

Evaluate the regulations within the regions where you’re conducting business and managing, transporting or handling customer data to ensure you are well aware of any and all region-specific regulations, as they can vary widely. For example, according to the Forrester Research Data Privacy Heat Map 2015, the Netherlands is one of the most restricted areas, while Nigeria has effectively no restrictions.

Document and understand the types of user data being captured and how that data is being used across your technology stack. This will be important for a number of reasons including potential opt-in requirements from customers, notifications in case of a breach and the potential need to delete this data due to inactivity of a given user.

Incorporate requirements for documentation, notifications, opt-ins and other activities mandated by these laws into company processes. Every piece of data should be handled and tracked in compliance with the necessary regulatory requirements. This stage includes folding new processes into how your company operates, such as including a least-privilege model to allow access to information on a need-to-know basis.

Create a breach notice plan that is in compliance with U.S. and other data breach laws that apply to your business. Breaches are inevitable and regulators require a timely response, particularly when personally identifiable information is at stake.

Brief all employees to ensure companywide participation. Departments must be fully committed to following updated regulations. This step encompasses all internal communications to employees and stakeholders that play a part in complying with global data laws. In a recent study, 87 percent of respondents said their jobs require them to access and use data, including customer information, contact lists, employee records, financial reports and corporate documents. As it happens “insider negligence” is the most common cause of a data breach.

When employees use unapproved technologies that are not protected under current IT policies, company data can be put at risk and may be noncompliant. By eliminating non-governed applications and programs, organizations can reduce risk and remain compliant.

Consent from customers is essential. It is crucial that a variety of customer data driven marketing programs have direct consent from consumers. In fact, some impending changes in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) may force companies to gain consent from end users on a program-by-program basis.

Enable customers to manage and view profile data in a self-service fashion. Give them the ability to edit, update and remove data. In coming years, regulations in major markets around the world will require these end-user functions.

Understand the difference between the laws associated with different countries and regions of the world, as different requirements exist for each set of data. A different customer experience may be required, depending on where that customer is located.

Monitor and audit any policies that may arise or change. Data is continuously growing and evolving, so it is only natural that the regulations will evolve as well. Constantly auditing your business and monitoring global laws will help ensure privacy compliance on an ongoing basis.