WordPress and GDPR: how to make your site compliant with privacy regulations
With the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) applicable to all EU countries introduced in 2018, data privacy is becoming a key issue for all websites. WordPress, as the most popular content management platform, is no exception. Let's discuss how to make your WordPress site GDPR compliant.
1. Know your data
The first step to GDPR compliance is to understand what data we collect and why. This includes any form that allows users to enter information, such as contact forms, registration or comments. It is important to consider why we need this data and whether we actually need to collect it.
2. Inform users
One of the main requirements of the GDPR is transparency. Each user must be informed about what data is collected, how and why it is used. Creating a clear and easy to understand privacy policy is a must.
3. Provide choice
Every person should have the possibility to consent or refuse the collection of personal data. This means that you must provide opt-out or consent options before collecting data from users.
4. Protect data
Under the GDPR, the responsibility for data protection is extremely important. When using WordPress, this may mean investing in an SSL certificate to protect data transfers, updating WordPress, themes and plugins to the latest versions and ensuring that all your service providers are also GDPR compliant.
5. WordPress GDPR Compliance Tools
WordPress and its community provide several tools that can help with GDPR compliance. For example, WordPress 4.9.6 and later versions include features such as a data export tool and a data deletion tool. There are also numerous plugins that offer GDPR compliance functionality such as Complianz - GDPR/CCPA Cookie Consent or Cookie Notice & Compliance for GDPR / CCPA.
6. Be prepared for data deletion
GDPR gives users the right to be "forgotten", which means you should be able to delete all their data at their request.
Conclusion
Preparing your WordPress site for GDPR can take time and resources, but it's important to get it right. Not only because it is a legal requirement, but also because GDPR compliance leads to better relationships with consumers and increases trust in your brand. Use the above tips as a starting point, and if you need help, don't hesitate to seek professional help.
