GDPR & UK GDPR Compliance: What You Need to Know

Data privacy isn’t optional—it’s a legal and ethical priority. Both the EU GDPR and the UK GDPR (post-Brexit version of the regulation) set strict standards for how personal data is collected, processed, and protected. If your organisation handles data from EU or UK residents, you must comply.

What Is GDPR?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) governs how personal data is handled. The UK GDPR, largely mirroring the EU version, applies within the United Kingdom after Brexit.

Both laws aim to:

• Empower individuals over their personal data

• Enforce accountability in data handling

• Harmonise data privacy standards

Key Compliance Requirements

To stay compliant under both EU and UK GDPR, organizations must:

• Be Transparent: Inform individuals about what data you collect and why.

• Get Valid Consent: Consent must be clear, specific, and freely given.

• Respect Data Rights: Allow access, correction, deletion, and portability of data.

• Limit Data Use: Collect only what’s needed, for lawful purposes.

• Secure the Data: Protect personal data with strong technical and organisational controls.

• Report Breaches: Notify authorities within 72 hours of a serious data breach.

• Keep Records: Document how you meet your GDPR obligations.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

Fines can reach up to €20 million / £17.5 million or 4% of global annual turnover—whichever is greater. Non-compliance also risks serious reputational damage.

Bottom Line

Whether you operate in the EU, the UK, or globally—GDPR compliance isn’t just a checkbox. It’s a commitment to privacy, trust, and responsible data governance.