What are GDPR Email Archiving Rules?

The first thing to say is that the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) does not provide specific rules for the handling and archiving of emails, but it does make a big difference to the way a business or organisation should think about dealing with emails.

This is because the stipulations of GDPR clearly have an effect on the use of emails as a form of communication and marketing.

What is the effect of GDPR on email use and archiving?

Here are some of the things a business or organisation needs to think about when sending or archiving emails. If it does not do so it could face the imposition of significant fines.

  • No email contact can be made with clients without prior consent.
  • Consent needs to be explicit and informed.
  • Once consent is received it can only be used for that specific reason.
  • Personal data can only be held and processed for as long as is necessary for a specific purpose. This necessitates carefully consideration of how long archived emails need to be kept.
  • GDPR does not stipulate specific security requirements but it does state that you need to document your security processes. This means that you need to examine the security of email sending and archiving. You also need to encrypt any secure personal data.
  • Data breaches need to be reported with 72 hours. So processes and procedures need to be in place, to ensure that this happens.

Emails are important communication tools for any business or organisation. Once the GDPR becomes law, businesses and organisations can still use email communication effectively, but they need to ensure that they pay attention to the stipulations of the GDPR, in order to make sure that they are compliant.

Related GDRP Articles

GDPR Compliance Checklist

GDPR FAQs

GDPR Training

GDPR EU Representative

GDPR Requirements

GDPR Summary

 

About Patrick Kennedy 619 Articles
Patrick Kennedy is a highly accomplished journalist and editor with nearly two decades of experience in the field. With expertise in writing and editing content, Patrick has made significant contributions to various publications and organizations. Over the course of his career, Patrick has successfully managed teams of writers, overseeing the production of high-quality content and ensuring its adherence to professional standards. His exceptional leadership skills, combined with his deep understanding of journalistic principles, have allowed him to create cohesive and engaging narratives that resonate with readers. A notable area of specialization for Patrick lies in compliance, particularly in relation to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). He has authored numerous articles delving into the complexities of compliance and its implications for various industries. Patrick's comprehensive understanding of HIPAA regulations has positioned him as a go-to expert, sought after for his insights and expertise in this field. Patrick's bachelors degree is from the University of Limerick and his master's degree in journalism is from Dublin City University. You can contact Patrick through his LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkkennedy/