Data protection: Here's why you keep receiving privacy emails
Have you noticed a lot of privacy emails?
Are you wondering why you've been receiving lots of privacy emails recently? If you are, you're not alone. There are some big changes to data protection and the way our data is being held by companies coming soon. These changes to terms and conditions are because of a new EU law called GDPR - General Data Protection Regulation.
Why am I getting so many privacy emails?
If you have bought something online, or signed up to a mailing list, you're likely to have received some new privacy emails recently. These privacy emails will be telling you about changes to the company's terms and conditions, because of this, every mailing list that you've signed up to is likely to be emailing you. These new changes to the EU law are called GDPR - General Data Protection Regulation.
What does GDPR stand for?
GDPR stands for General Data Protection Regulation and is a regulation in EU law on data protection and privacy. It affects all individuals within the EU so everyone in the UK is affected. GDPR addresses the export of personal data outside the EU and is aimed to give citizens and residents control over their personal data.
GDPR replaces the Data Protection Act 1998 in the UK.
When is everything changing?
Whilst GDPR was published in 2016, it only comes into force on 25th May 2018. The two years in between was to allow businesses and public bodies to prepare for the changes.
What will these changes mean for me?
These changes will give you, as a consumer, more control over your personal data. Essentially it is changing the long terms and conditions that most people just ignore and click past. The new changes mean that the new terms and conditions will need to be easier and clearer to understand. As a customer you should now be able to 'opt in' to share your data and you'll have the ability to have it removed at any time.
Do I need to do anything?
You don't need to do anything in particular, either in the run up to these changes, or when they come into force. However, when you receive these emails, or log in to the website you may be prompted to accept the new terms and conditions. If you are happy with these changes then you should accept them - in the way you would normally.
What if I don't want companies to have my data?
If you don't want certain companies to have your data, then you can request that they delete it. You can also ask a company to tell you what data they hold about you.
Will GDPR continue to apply once the UK leaves the EU?
In short, yes. This is because the government's Data Protection Bill replicates the GDPR rules in UK law.
To find out more information about GDPR you can visit the ICO website.