What is GDPR compliance?

GDPR compliance means following the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) when collecting, processing, storing, or otherwise handling personal data. The GDPR applies to organizations established in the EU and, in certain circumstances, organizations outside the EU that offer goods or services to people in the EU or monitor their behavior.

For an eCommerce or B2B business, GDPR compliance can involve:

• Lawful data processing – Having an appropriate legal basis for processing personal data.
• Transparency – Clearly explaining what data is collected, why it is used, and who may receive it.
• Data minimization – Collecting only the data necessary for the stated purpose.
• Data security – Using appropriate technical and organizational safeguards.
• Data retention – Not keeping personal data longer than necessary.
• Customer rights – Supporting rights such as access, correction, erasure, restriction, portability, and objection.
• Third-party management – Properly managing processors and data transfers where applicable.
• Accountability – Maintaining appropriate records and being able to demonstrate compliance.

For example, a B2B store serving EU customers should clearly communicate how customer information is used and have processes for handling valid data-access or deletion requests.

GDPR compliance is risk-based and depends on how an organization processes personal data, so specific obligations can vary between businesses.