Protecting and respecting your privacy, wherever you are

Today I published an updated and strengthened Privacy Policy on this website. The policy is one component of the considerable work required to prepare for the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – due to come into effect on May 25, 2018.

Initially fairly daunting for a small operator, I came to appreciate that the GDPR also presents an opportunity to build strong relationships and trust on the basis of a real commitment to the security, privacy and confidentiality of my clients and the users of my website and other channels.

Equal treatment for everyone

While the GDPR focuses on protecting the personal information of EU citizens, I strongly believe that data privacy is a right that belongs to you, wherever you are.

Given the fact that the GDPR is widely seen as the global gold standard for personal privacy – a standard that sits above (and in many cases, significantly above) those set in other countries and jurisdictions – means that you can expect me to apply equally the principles and rights associated with the regulation to everyone, everywhere.

OK, so what does this mean in practice?

The new Privacy Policy should give you a good idea what this means in terms of the day-to-day collection, management and use of your personal information, as well as your rights to access and control that information.

Behind the scenes, I have been reducing the amount of data I hold on my clients and others. For example, personal information about a client is now reduced to the bare minimum once a project has finished or a contract expired. In addition, personal information about all business contacts has been taken off the cloud and stored locally, encryption beefed up, and passwords strengthened and changed more regularly.

Much of my business comes from referrals, which means I do little or no direct or email marketing, online commerce, or online customer support. This may change as I continue to expand my business, and in all cases will involve me clearly telling you what information is being collected about you, why it is being collected, and who, if anyone, it may be shared with and for what reason.

Stay in touch

Protecting your personal privacy is not just about hitting a deadline – it is an ongoing process.

Stay tuned to this blog for further updates, and do send any feedback, comments or questions you have to privacy@charliepownall.com.