In the ever-evolving landscape of digital governance, GDPR has been a pivotal force since its inception in 2018. As we look ahead, it’s worth pondering where this regulatory giant is headed next. It represented a turning point in the way we understood personal privacy, but with massive leaps made in intelligent tech, is there a way to remain compliant or will the landscape fundamentally change?
AI and machine learning are all the rage, but they bring a slew of privacy concerns. Future iterations of GDPR might need to tighten the reins on how these technologies handle our personal data. In addition to this, we must consider the Internet of Things. With smart devices infiltrating every aspect of our lives, GDPR faces the challenge of keeping up with the data deluge. We’re talking about ensuring that our smart gadgets respect our privacy boundaries, even when they’re communicating with each other.
Big data is another player in this game. While it holds immense potential, it also raises red flags about privacy invasion. Future iterations of GDPR may focus on striking a balance, ensuring that companies harness the power of big data responsibly and ethically.
So what are companies supposed to do as regulations turn seemingly overnight? Some recommended practices include include:
- Conducting data mapping exercises to determine how information and data flow through organizations, both digitally and physically.
- Preparing regulatory maps to assess applicable local, state, federal and international requirements.
- Drafting, implementing, and periodically reviewing and updating policies regarding the collection, storage, retention and destruction of data and information.
- Implementing appropriate security controls over critical and classified data and information.
- Reviewing and evaluating third-party vendor management programs, including conducting vendor risk assessments, requiring vendors to implement best-in-class data protection policies, periodically auditing them, and reviewing indemnification language in contracts.
- Planning and budgeting for security improvements and cyber insurance.
- Ensuring that data and information security is a central component of organizational culture
Of course, we can’t overlook the role of the end-users in themselves. With data breaches making headlines left and right, we’re becoming more savvy about our privacy rights. Ensuring that you update your preferences intentionally across all of your accounts, avoid saving critical information to keychains, avoiding public wifis, and considering all cookies that you accept are steps in the right direction.
In essence, the future of GDPR lies in striking a delicate balance between innovation and privacy. It’s about fostering a digital ecosystem where our data is treated with the utmost respect and care. If you store sensitive information for even a handful of clients, it is important that you put the appropriate protections in place. My Social Biz can assist in the audit of your current systems and help you set up operating procedures that will ensure the safety of personal information. Reach out to us for a free consultation: olivia@mysocialbiz.net.