GDPR applies to any website processing EU resident data. Non-compliance can result in fines up to €20M or 4% of global revenue.
Essential Requirements
1. Privacy Policy
- What data you collect
- Why you collect it (legal basis)
- How long you keep it
- Who you share it with
- How users can exercise their rights
2. Cookie Consent
- No cookies before consent (except essential)
- Clear accept/reject options
- Granular control by category
- Easy withdrawal mechanism
3. Data Subject Rights
| Right to Access | Provide data copy within 30 days |
| Right to Rectification | Correct inaccurate data |
| Right to Erasure | "Right to be forgotten" |
| Right to Portability | Export data in common format |
| Right to Object | Opt-out of processing |
4. Security Measures
- HTTPS everywhere
- Encrypted database storage
- Access controls
- Regular security testing
Common Mistakes
- Pre-checked consent boxes (illegal)
- Cookie walls that block access
- No way to withdraw consent
- Vague privacy policies
December 2024