Every day, businesses collect vast amounts of personal data. Whether you're shopping online, filling out a contact form, subscribing to a newsletter, or using a mobile app, information about you is being stored and processed somewhere. While data helps organisations improve products, personalise services and make better business decisions, it also raises an important question:
Who controls your personal information?
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was introduced to answer that question and give individuals greater control over how their data is collected, stored, and used.
What Is GDPR?
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a data privacy law introduced by the European Union that came into force on 25 May 2018. Its purpose is to protect the personal data of EU citizens and create a consistent framework for how organisations collect, process, and manage that information. Importantly, GDPR applies not only to businesses based in Europe but also to organisations anywhere in the world that process the personal data of EU residents.
Why Was GDPR Introduced?
As digital services, cloud platforms and online transactions became increasingly common, organisations began collecting more personal data than ever before. At the same time, concerns around privacy, data misuse, and large-scale data breaches continued to grow. GDPR was designed to strengthen data protection rights and ensure organisations are transparent about how personal information is used.
Key GDPR Principles
Under GDPR, individuals have greater control over their personal information. Some of the most important rights include:
The Right to Be Informed
Organisations must clearly explain what data they collect, why they collect it and how it will be used.
The Right to Access
Individuals can request access to the personal data an organisation holds about them.
The Right to Rectification
People can request corrections if their personal information is inaccurate or incomplete.
The Right to Erasure
Often referred to as the "right to be forgotten," individuals can request that their personal data be deleted under certain circumstances.
The Right to Data Portability
Individuals can request a copy of their personal data and transfer it to another service provider.
The Right to Consent
Organisations must obtain clear and informed consent before collecting personal data in many situations.
Data Controllers and Data Processors
GDPR defines two key roles:
Data Controller – The organisation that determines why and how personal data is collected.
Data Processor – A third party that processes or stores data on behalf of the controller.
For example, if a company collects customer information through an online form, it is typically the data controller. If that information is stored on a cloud platform, the cloud provider may act as the data processor. Both parties have responsibilities under GDPR and can be held accountable for non-compliance.
What Does GDPR Mean for Businesses?
GDPR requires organisations to take data protection seriously.
Businesses should:
- Understand what personal data they collect
- Document how data is stored and processed
- Implement appropriate security measures
- Establish procedures for handling data requests
- Create clear privacy policies
- Develop processes for managing data breaches
For many organisations, GDPR also encourages a broader culture of transparency and accountability around data management.
The Importance of Compliance
Failure to comply with GDPR can result in significant financial penalties and reputational damage. More importantly, strong data protection practices help build trust with customers, employees, and stakeholders. As organisations continue to collect and process increasing amounts of information, protecting personal data is no longer just a legal requirement it's a business necessity.
How Array Supports GDPR Compliance
Array helps organisations collect, manage and report data through secure digital workflows. By replacing paper forms and spreadsheets with structured digital processes, businesses can improve data visibility, maintain audit trails, manage consent records, and strengthen governance around information management. While GDPR compliance involves policies, procedures, and legal considerations beyond technology alone, having the right systems in place is an important part of protecting personal data and meeting regulatory obligations.
