The introduction of EU General Data Protection Regulation has given rise to many surveys that attempt to investigate the law’s possible impact on businesses. Most of these surveys focus and report on the negative impacts on businesses.
The most reported aspect has been the harsh penalties the new law imposes on non-compliant entities. Just a few of the surveys have looked past the compliance requirements and provided valuable insights into the bigger picture concerning its benefits to business. GDPR is not just about penalties. There are several provisions with substantial benefits to businesses which make it most welcome. The penalties are there as a reminder of the EU’s resolution to protect privacy and data.
Care over Data
The law is designed to safeguard personal data and enhance the exchange of information for businesses within the EU and their affiliates. The law comes with new requirements for sourcing and processing data. Organizations with large-scale data processing will have to recruit dedicated Data Protection Officers who will monitor compliance. Despite the fact that the new EU regulation is likely to pose some challenges for businesses, it encourages companies to take care of their data which is one of their significant assets.
Right of Access Most Popular
One of the benefits of GDPR include greater control of personal data. The law introduces additional rights that empower users to hold data controllers accountable. Some people have begun to take advantage of such provisions as revealed by surveys. 77% of Irish customers are prepared to take advantage of the new rights enshrined in the new EU law when it takes effect.
In addition, research conducted by SAS reveals that 66% of adults appreciate and welcome the right to access to information while almost a similar proportion welcome the right to be forgotten. Another 63% revealed that the right to rectify information in case of inaccuracies or incompleteness serves their interests while 62% believes that the right to restrict processing of personal data is most appropriate for them.
In the United Kingdom, 48% of the adults would exercise the rights granted by the GDPR according to the SAS survey. Most of the individuals who indicated they would be exercising their rights belong to the age group 45-54. 21% of these people will exercise their rights in the first month when the law comes into force. 18-24 years category has a lower probability of submitting a request for personal information. Their likelihood of doing that is 13%.
SAS findings in the UK show that right of access is most popular followed by the right to erasure, and finally right to rectification with 64%, 62% and 59% respectively.