This article does not constitute legal advice. This article is for informational purposes only, and we strongly encourage you to seek independent legal counsel to understand how your business needs to comply with the GDPR.<\/em> The new General European (EU) Data Protection Regulations, better known as GDPR, went into full effect on May 25th. What does this mean for everyone who collects other people\u2019s information, especially online? This means that even if you are located outside of Europe, you need to make it blatantly clear that you are collecting information and what you intend to do with said information (storing it, protecting it, sharing, it, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The basic design of GDPR is to set new, clear standards on allowing EU citizens more control over the information they share with companies. It\u2019s common sense that people want to know where their information is going and who has it. Don\u2019t you wonder that same thing every time you fill out a form on various websites you visit? Regardless of what is being asked?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Information is a valuable commodity that can devastate the information provider if abused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Think of all the data breaches we have been hearing more and more about and how annoyed and betrayed users feel when they discover that companies have waited months and even years before reporting the breach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With GDPR in place not only do companies have to confirm that all personal information collected is protected, but also gathered legally and under the strictest conditions. Also, those entrusted to collect the information and manage it must ensure that while protecting it, they will not allow it to be misused or exploited and the information owners\u2019 rights will be respected. If not, penalties will be issued to those who ignore these regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a Solopreneur the last thing I wanted to deal with was fines from a foreign entity that might claim that I\u2019m handling information management on my websites improperly. The good thing was that they seem to mainly be after large conglomerates like Facebook, Instagram, Google, etc. who make a living off collecting and sharing their users\u2019 information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That being said, this doesn\u2019t mean that I or other Solopreneurs should ignore handling our smaller number of clients with any less severance or responsibility. Because we are not as large as Google or Facebook doesn\u2019t mean that we get a pass for being slack and lazy with our users’ and customers’ information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anything that can identify your users is considered personal information: names, photos, addresses, IP addresses, email addresses, biometric, GPS, and genetic information are all included. Think of your Fitbits, Apple watches, and Waze apps all collecting your information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The new GDPR law is another reason for Solopreneurs to be extra diligent in transparency and informing their website visitors of what they should expect. This includes your opt-in forms and promotional links you might be sharing with your visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just as you would expect large companies, like Facebook, to inform you of how they will use your information you have the same obligations to your users. Don’t wait until you a security breach or get fined before you take action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As stated earlier, because of so many data breaches that have occurred throughout the years it has become more important than ever that users understand and know what is happening with their information. The Dark Web has been privy to a large amount of user data in the past few years and this is alarming to many Internet users and leaving us vulnerable.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Does GDPR Compliance<\/span> Mean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Who Is GDPR<\/span> Aiming For?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Is Personal<\/span> information?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Does This Mean For Solopreneurs<\/span>?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Does GDPR<\/span> Mean For My Users\/Clients?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n