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The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive consumer privacy law adopted by the European Union (EU). It came into full effect in May 2018. The GDPR regulates the collection, use, storage, and processing of the personal data of individuals within the EU. As part of its purpose, the GDPR aims to give consumers more control over their private data and how companies use it. Companies that use messaging and archiving services must consider this when designing and implementing communications policies.
The GDPR regulates how companies manage the personal data of their users when sending messages. This includes ensuring secure transmissions with appropriate consent from the user and the secure storage of all relevant records. Companies must also provide users with the option to delete messaging content in keeping with the right to erasure.
Companies may face significant fines if found in breach of the GDPR. Most organizations focus on data security and consumer privacy but they must complete a thorough review of the regulations and their amendments. For example, the GDPR can also impose penalties for unlawful marketing messages. Here are some additional reasons companies should prioritize messaging compliance with the GDPR.
Consumers are more likely to trust and engage with companies that comply with data protection laws. Customers who know their personal data is secure are more likely to do business with and recommend the company. They may also feel more comfortable sharing in-depth, sensitive data.
Companies must also ensure they send messages securely so that users don’t have to worry about their data falling into the wrong hands. This includes using encryption protocols and other security measures to protect customer data.
GDPR compliance compels companies to clean up their data. This has helped companies reduce redundancy and eliminate outdated data sets that might otherwise skew analytics in the wrong direction.
The GDPR is a complex and comprehensive law. Companies should seek legal counsel to ensure they comply with all applicable regulations. In the meantime, here are some general guidelines businesses may consider when developing messaging policies:
The section on messages should explain how the company collects, uses, and stores personal data when sending and receiving messages. The statement should also provide an overview of user rights and clarify that users can delete any messages they have sent or received within a certain period.
For example, a company may decide to use the following information in its GDPR compliance notice:
We may use messaging services to communicate with our customers. All messages sent through this service will be stored securely. Users have the right to delete any messages they have sent or received within 30 days of sending/receiving them. Our messaging practices are regulated by the GDPR. Users may contact us to request more information about our policies.
Note that the use of this message does not ensure GDPR compliance. Work closely with a compliance officer and legal team to cover all your bases.
Automated archiving services can help companies ensure that their messaging practices comply with the GDPR. These services store all messages sent through a company’s messaging system in an encrypted format, making it easier for companies to adhere to the GDPR’s data protection requirements. Automated message capturing and archiving services also make it easier for businesses to allow users to delete any messages they have sent or received within a certain period. Additionally, these services can help companies ensure that all messaging meta-data is stored securely and not accessible by unauthorized actors.
LeapXpert is a GDPR-compliant messaging and archiving solution for your business. Our product can meet your needs, whether you need to capture and archive messages, text, or voice. Book a demo to see how it works.