In May 2018, Europe put into effect the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which is considered the most comprehensive privacy law in the world. The GDPR regulates how e-commerce businesses collect and use user data and holds them accountable for protecting the privacy and rights of European citizens.
BigCommerce is a popular e-commerce platform that allows businesses to set up and operate their online stores. As an e-commerce platform that serves businesses selling to European customers, BigCommerce must ensure that its platform complies with GDPR regulations. In this article, we will discuss what GDPR is, its effects on e-commerce businesses, and how BigCommerce is ensuring GDPR compliance for its users.
Table of Contents
Understanding GDPR
The GDPR is a new set of rules for managing and protecting the personal data of EU citizens. It applies to all companies collecting, processing or holding the personal data of EU citizens regardless of whether the company is based in the EU or not. The GDPR applies to personal data, which is any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person.
Under GDPR, EU citizens have the right to know what data e-commerce businesses collect about them and how this data is used. They also have the right to request that their data be deleted or transferred, and the right to object to their data being used for certain purposes.
Effects of GDPR on E-Commerce Businesses
GDPR has several impacts on e-commerce businesses that operate in the EU or deal with EU customers. The regulation affects how businesses can collect, process, store and transfer data, as well as how they report data breaches. Non-compliance with GDPR can lead to hefty fines of up to €20 million or 4% of the company’s annual revenue, whichever is higher.
BigCommerce’s Approach to GDPR Compliance
BigCommerce has put a lot of effort into ensuring GDPR compliance for its users through several measures.
Data Protection Agreement
BigCommerce has created a Data Protection Agreement (DPA) that outlines its commitment to GDPR compliance. The DPA is a legal agreement between BigCommerce and its users that specifies the responsibilities of each party concerning GDPR compliance.
Data Protection Officer
BigCommerce has appointed a Data Protection Officer (DPO) who is responsible for ensuring that the platform complies with the GDPR. The DPO helps BigCommerce’s users understand their GDPR obligations and guides them on how to implement GDPR requirements on their online stores.
Data Processing Addendum
BigCommerce offers its users a Data Processing Addendum (DPA) that helps them comply with GDPR regulations. The DPA outlines the responsibilities of both the user and BigCommerce when it comes to handling personal data. By signing the DPA, users agree to follow GDPR regulations, and BigCommerce agrees to provide data processing services that are GDPR compliant.
Enhanced Privacy and Security Features
BigCommerce has implemented enhanced privacy and security features to meet GDPR requirements and protect the privacy of its users’ customers. These features include two-factor authentication, SSL encryption, advanced password policies, and vulnerability scans.
Improved Transparency
BigCommerce provides its users with detailed information about the data it collects and how it uses this data. The platform also provides users with clear and concise privacy policies that meet GDPR guidelines. This transparency helps e-commerce businesses build trust among their customers and comply with GDPR requirements.
GDPR Training and Resources
BigCommerce provides its users with GDPR training and resources, including webinars, documentation, and guides. This training empowers users to understand their GDPR obligations and implement the necessary GDPR requirements on their online stores.
Conclusion
In today’s digital world, data privacy is more important than ever. E-commerce businesses that operate in the EU or deal with EU customers are required to comply with the GDPR. BigCommerce has taken several steps to ensure that its platform is GDPR compliant, and its users are well-equipped to meet these requirements. By using BigCommerce, e-commerce businesses can protect the privacy of their EU customers and avoid hefty fines for non-compliance with GDPR regulations.