Seven years of GDPR: The large data protection debacle for small business owners!

Seven years of GDPR: The large data protection debacle for small business owners!

Seven years after the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the mood is divided among many sole proprietors. While the first panic is over in front of the new provisions, many now feel in false security. Monika Stern, TÜV-certified data protection officer from new building in the Mistelbach district, warns of the dangers of this uncritical perspective. As reports meinzirk.at, the awareness of one's own obligations in many solo entrepreneurs is alarmingly low.

The GDPR came into force on May 25, 2018 and brought massive changes to dealing with personal data. At the beginning, many entrepreneurs were unsettled. Some even considered to give up their business, while others tried to acquire the necessary knowledge with online templates. Today, however, the topic of data protection has lost driving. Many small entrepreneurs are not only aware of their duties, but were also an annoying duty instead of being an essential part of their business success.

The dangers of negligence

Stern notes that basic data protection measures such as cookie banners, data protection declarations and order processing contracts are often neglected. This is risky, because many small and small entrepreneurs wrongly assume that their companies are "too small" in order to be prosecuted by the authorities. However, this attitude can have fatal consequences. A violation of the GDPR is associated with high fines for all companies, regardless of their size. The expert also warns the financial effects in the event of a data loss or complaints.

The GDPR applies to all companies that process personal data, regardless of their size or industry. According to [GDVO-Pragen.de] (https://dsgvo-vorlagen.de/dsgvo-Kleinstunternehmen- single-company self-silly), small business owners who have a maximum of 10 employees and 2 million euros in sales must also comply with data protection principles. P>

Important principles of the GDPR that apply to companies include the legality of data processing, the purpose binding and data minimization. Even if some reliefs apply to small companies - for example with regard to the necessary documentation - the responsibility for compliance with the GDPR still remains with the entrepreneurs. This point is often overlooked, which is why the need for proactive examination of data protection is so important.

new challenges in data protection

entrepreneurs are required to deal with the continuous changes in data protection law. New legal provisions, such as the employee data protection law and the reformed telecommunications telemedia data protection law, bring additional challenges. According to [datenschutzexperte.de] (https://www.datenschutzexperte.de/blog/datenschutz-im- company), companies must constantly adjust their data protection measures in order to meet the legal requirements and to avoid fines.

Development in data protection is further reinforced by technological innovations and European regulations such as the EU-US data privacy framework. Companies, especially in the area of ​​small business owners, have to adapt to all of these changes - ignoring obligations can lead to serious consequences. Monika Stern therefore demands clearer, understandable information for founders in order to demy the topic of data protection and to recognize it as an integral part of their business.

Overall, it should be noted that data protection is not only a legal obligation, but also a question of trust towards customers. The self -employed should finally recognize that a solid data protection strategy is essential for business success.