If you are reading this and only discovering now about GDPR then Houston we have a problem. But don’t worry. We can help.

Firstly, by telling you that the countdown is over. Yes, today is the date of implementation of the much-talked about GDPR – the EU’s General Data Protection Policy. If you are in the business of software and digital businesses (and not only these) that handle personal data, you need to take heed and act.

Why? Because without exaggeration, May 25, 2018 is a landmark moment which affects every entrepreneur.

GDPR is here – is your business or startup ready?

What is GDPR?

Put simply [and accurately], it’s the most important change in data privacy law for 20 years. It is a set of regulations that includes 99 articles and plenty of complexities. So, there’s plenty to take on board if you are running, or thinking of starting up any kind of digital business. If your organisation processes data for EU citizens, the GDPR will impact you and every department in your business

The new legislation is now in place and if you don’t already, you need to learn how the General Data Protection Regulation affects your business. Besides strengthening and standardizing user data privacy across the EU nations, it will require new or additional obligations on all organizations that handle EU citizens’ personal data. This, regardless of where the organizations themselves are located.

The Starttech GDPR guide

Hold on there a minute though. There’s no need to press any panic buttons just yet and call in legal eagle James Morgan “Jimmy” McGill from Better Call Saul. Although if you do have a lawyer who is well versed in GDPR it wood be a good idea to get a consultation.

Before you do that, however, we have something – or rather someone – to give you a solid overview. Our very own GDPR expert Manos Dramitinos, CIO of Epignosis, one of the jewels of the Starttech Ventures. Unlike myself, Manos knows a great deal about GDPR so do yourself a favor and read his guide on getting your startup GDPR-ready.

Good luck

And that’s it. Hopefully you are already well prepared for GDPR and are sitting back comfortably in your chair with a coffee and smiling – laughing even. That’s great. Perhaps you even attended our free GDPR Open Talk that we hosted at Starttech Ventures way back in December. Just make sure that you are covering your bases. Because the punishments and fines which the EU can dish out for breaching or not following the rules are simply not an option for a fledgling business.

Go forth and protect that data.

P.S. don’t forget to read the guide!

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Graham Wood Graham Wood

The Starttech Ventures Storyteller. Studied Journalism with Business at the University of Central Lancashire. Has worked in various product marketing management positions for the likes of Nokia, Samsung and Vodafone, as well as in several journalism and media roles since 2000.