The EU Data Protection Directive (Directive 95/46/EC) is a law recently implemented by the European Union to protect the privacy of EU citizens’ data, specifically as it relates to collecting, processing, or exchanging their personal information. The regulation affects companies worldwide as it calls for organizations based outside the EU, but who work in some capacity with EU consumers, to understand and comply with their data protection standards. There are seven primary principles upon which the regulation is founded:

1. A company must notify subjects of any data collection.

2. Subjects should be informed of who is collecting their data.

3. Once collected, personal data must be thoroughly secure and kept safe from any potential abuse.

4. Personal data may not be shared with third parties without consent.

5. Subjects must be able to access their own data to provide any necessary corrections.

6. Collected data may not be used for purposes beyond those stated during collection.

7. If all seven principles are not complied with, subjects are able to hold personal data collectors accountable.

How US Businesses Can Comply With The EU Data Protection Directive

The EU Data Protection Directive will affect all entities that operate in and/or offer services or goods to the EU directly or as a third party. For example, a US based website that is made available to people in the EU will need to comply. It is paramount that companies with EU customers understand how to comply with this law protecting EU standards.

Compliance to the EU Data Protection

These directives can be strictly monitored and noncompliance can result in huge fines and headaches. The objective of this directive is to set a new global precedent around protecting the integrity of data for EU consumers. It is critical that companies working with entities in the EU examine how they collect, process, and store consumer data, and potentially modify operations to comply with this directive. Training necessary staff to understand the required steps for compliance is also crucial. Finally, thorough communication with customers and staff alike to inform them of your commitment to comply with this directive will ensure that you’ve covered your bases moving forward.

Let Affinity Technology Partners Help Ensure Your Company Complies With The EU Data Protection Directive

The highly professional tech consultants at Affinity Technology Partners can help businesses comply with the EU Data Protection Directive. Since 2002, Affinity has been a go-to for IT solutions and managed IT services for business of all sizes in Nashville, Tennessee and beyond. We have developed the reputation we have in this highly competitive industry by consistently providing high quality IT support and by employing a team of highly trained, experienced, and personable technical consultants. We take the time to get to know your company and your company’s needs so that we can provide you with a personalized service from start to finish. We are in it for the long run and therefore are always taking into consideration what is best for your company’s growth now and in the future.

Give us a call or schedule an IT consulting service online to find out how a partnership with Affinity can help your business today.