GDPR FAQs

This page answers frequently asked questions about the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).

Questions are grouped by topic – simply use the links below to find the answers you need.

If you have a general question that isn’t answered here, let us know and we’ll do our best to update this page.

Alternatively, if you have a more complex query, why not talk to one of our consultants using our GDPR Ask Us service?

General

• What is the GDPR?
• What is the difference between EU regulations and directives?
• Where can I find the full text of the GDPR?
• When did the GDPR take effect?
• How does the GDPR relate to the DPA (Data Protection Act) 2018
• How will Brexit affect the GDPR?

Accountability

• Do I need a lot of documents to comply with the GDPR?
• How do you write a GDPR privacy notice?
• How do you write a GDPR data subject access request procedure?
• How do you write a GDPR-compliant data protection policy?
• How do you write a GDPR personal data breach notification procedure?
• How do you comply with Article 30 of the GDPR?

Breaches

• How do you report a personal data breach?
• What are the penalties for not complying with the GDPR?
• What happens if I have missed the GDPR enforcement deadline?

Compliance

• What are the GDPR’s rules on security?
• What are the GDPR’s data processing principles?
• What lawful bases for processing should we use, and do we always need consent?
• What rights do individuals (data subjects) have under the GDPR?
• Does my organisation need to register under the GDPR?
• How can ISO 27001 help me comply with the GDPR?
• Why are risk assessments essential for GDPR compliance and how do you perform them?

Data protection officer

• Which organisations must appoint a DPO (data protection officer) under the GDPR?
• Can organisations share a DPO (data protection officer)?

Scope

• What sort of data processing does the GDPR apply to?
• How does the GDPR define personal data?
• How does the GDPR affect businesses outside the EU?
• What is a data breach under the GDPR?
• What is the difference between personal data and sensitive data under the GDPR?
• What is the difference between a data processor and a data controller under the GDPR?