How to implement a GDPR-compliant online store?

Designing an online store in line with GDPR starts with careful consideration of data protection at the very beginning of the project. It is important to map out the necessary steps and documentation to ensure that data protection issues are addressed before launching the online store. This may include drafting a data protection policy that clearly explains how customer data will be processed and protected.

It is recommended to establish a Data Protection Officer role at the beginning of the project, who will be responsible for managing all data protection matters. This person may be responsible for ensuring that all processes and practices comply with EU regulations. It is also important to ensure that all team members are aware of their role in implementing data protection.

When it comes to documentation, it is also recommended to create data protection compliant process diagrams. These can be used to visualize data collection and processing processes that are GDPR compliant. This ensures that any potential data protection gaps can be identified and fixed before the online store is launched.

What information can an online store collect from its customers?

Under the GDPR, online stores can only collect customer data if they have a clear and lawful basis for collecting it. This means that the data collection process must be transparent and customers must consent to the collection of data. Common data collected includes name, address, email address and payment details.

Consent is key, and customers need to know what their data is being used for. The online store should clearly state how the data is stored, how long it is kept, and what rights customers have over their data. Transparency is key to building trust between customers and the online store.

The online store must also ensure that the collection of data is as minimal as possible, sufficient and relevant for a specific purpose. This ensures that data protection regulations are complied with and customers' privacy is maintained.

How to ensure data protection and retention?

Data protection and retention are key factors in the GDPR-compliant operation of an online store. Technical means, such as encryption and firewalls, are essential to protect data from external threats. These technologies can be used to prevent unauthorized access to customers' personal data.

Organizational measures, such as access control, are also important. It is important to ensure that only authorized persons can handle customer data. This can be implemented, for example, by role-based access control, where different users have different rights to handle the data.

It is also recommended to conduct regular security audits to ensure that all processes and practices comply with GDPR requirements. Audits help identify potential security risks and provide an opportunity to address them in a timely manner.