General Data Protection Regulation
What is GDPR?
The General Data Protection Regulation (or GDPR) is a new regulation in the European Union that aims to give you more control over your personal data.
Businesses must now ensure that all personal data is gathered legally and under strict conditions. Under the GDPR, organisations are obligated to protect it from misuse and exploitation and respect the rights of the people the data belongs to.
The GDPR extends personal data from your name, address and photos to any sensitive data that can identify you such as your religious beliefs or genetic data.
Who does GDPR apply to?
The GDPR applies to any organisation who collects or processes the personal data of EU residents, regardless of where that organisation is located or where the data is stored.
Brexit will not have an impact on the implementation of the GDPR in the UK as the UK government has made it clear that the GDPR will still apply post-Brexit.
When did GDPR take effect?
GDPR came into effect on 25th May 2018.
What does GDPR mean for individuals?
The GDPR empowers individuals by giving them control of their personal data and transparency in how it is used. The GDPR gives people the right to know how their data is processed and in some circumstances the right to be forgotten if they no longer wish for their details be held by that company. Greater control for people, and accountability of data handlers will mark a step-change in the management and commercialisation of personal data.
How and where does it impact Think Comms services?
Think Comms operates in a business to business (B2B) environment only. Where individuals either as part of an organisation such as a Director or as a Sole Trader whereby the individual is the business, we only assess the capability of the business entity to conduct and continue to conduct business and fulfil contracts based on historical relationships, interest and/or consent. As such the type and quality of data provided to customers will not change after the introduction of GDPR. Where data collected by Think Comms or any of its Direct Marketing Agencies has been determined as unsuitable for use or does not appear to have appropriate consent this data will be deleted.
How does Think Comms see this regulation update?
We believe better transparency, better security and better control for all individuals, at a time where we all rely on sharing, storing and processing information for the greater good of customers, businesses and the economy all contribute to building and maintaining trust, present and future.
As a Telecommunications company and O2 Partner, Think Comms operates as a business-to-business organisation on the basis of legitimate interest, however where personal information is stored, processed or marketed to, consent will prevail as our lawful basis to facilitate the conduct of this activity.
If you have a question about Think Comms compliance with GDPR or other privacy regulations, who should you contact?
Please contact our Head of Compliance for more information. This can be done by emailing compliance@think-comms.com or by writing to the following address.
GDPR Think Comms Limited 54a High Street, Fareham, Hampshire, PO16 7BG