FOIMan launches a new resource to help practitioners and others get to grips with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Those interested in privacy had been waiting for years for the European Union to agree its new rules on data protection. Finally, in May of this year, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) became law. Cue party poppers all round.
The party was well and truly pooped though a month later. Instead of starting a long campaign to educate colleagues and businesses about their new obligations (which take effect from May 2018), practitioners have been forced to spend the summer and early Autumn speculating about what BREXIT means for GDPR. Even if they wisely chose to continue their preparations, their words fell on stony ground as those in charge looked to government for a decisive message more informative than “BREXIT means BREXIT”.
Thankfully we now have more clarity. During a committee hearing last week, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Karen Bradley, stated that:
“An example might be the General Data Protection Regulation, which of course comes into effect in the spring of 2018. We will be members of the EU in 2018 and therefore it would be expected and quite normal for us to opt into the GDPR and then look later at how best we might be able to help British business with data protection while maintaining high levels of protection for members of the public.” (Oral evidence to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, HC 764, 24 October 2016, answer to Q.72)
So whilst there’s still a possibility that the rules will change again in a few years, at least we now know that GDPR is coming to stay and will be with us for a while. Long enough for us to give it a bedroom and clear some drawer and wardrobe space. Maybe even to cut it a set of keys.
In the meantime, the hands of the clock have been moving apace. There are now just over 18 months to get your house in order, which is not long given how much you need to do to make sure that you meet GDPR’s exacting requirements.
Thankfully there are lots of places to look for help. And now I’m adding to the list. I’ve added a new section to the FOIMan site dealing specifically with data protection reform and GDPR. There are free resources to help you understand your obligations, and suggestions as to where to start your preparations. There’s also a link to the GDPR itself in case you need it. I’ll be updating this page from time to time and adding new links, resources and suggestions so keep popping back for more as your preparations continue.