Creating a Website that Protects Your Users
Ensuring GDPR compliance is crucial in website design as it sets specific requirements for handling personal data. However, achieving website GDPR compliance can be daunting for many businesses, often leading to misunderstandings and regulation breaches. These breaches can result in financial penalties, compensation payouts, and damage to reputation. Therefore, it is essential that any website designer is well-versed in GDPR regulations before embarking on a project.
What is GDPR?
To develop a GDPR-compliant website, you must first understand what GDPR is and how it affects your website and the way you collect visitor data.
GDPR governs how organisations process and use personal data, providing consumers with greater protection. It evolves existing data protection laws to reflect modern digital communication and data sharing. Key characteristics of GDPR include:
Obtaining Consent
GDPR requires organisations to obtain explicit consent from individuals before collecting, using, or sharing their personal data. Consent must be freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous.
Transparency
Organisations must be transparent about how they collect, use, and share personal data. Websites need clear and conspicuous privacy policies that explain data collection, usage, and sharing practices. Users must be informed about their rights under GDPR.
Data Security
GDPR mandates appropriate measures to protect personal data from unauthorised access, use, or disclosure. Websites must implement robust security measures. This includes regular security testing and data encryption.