DP2018: The GDPR will change how you do business

DMA Group CEO Chris Combemale kicked-off proceedings at Data Protection 2018 with a focus on the business transformation opportunity that the GDPR offers. He told delegates that the Regulation represents a “watershed moment to transform your approach to privacy”.

The GDPR is a catalyst for change; the point at which businesses must grasp the chance to become human-centric – a theme that would run throughout the day.

Underpinning the ability of GDPR to drive this change is data – and the changing consumer attitudes towards it.

Recent research by the DMA, Foresight Factory and Acxiom revealed how a majority of people are happy with the amount of data they share; they would like more control over personal information and the way it is stored; and they crave more transparency about how their data is used.

Chris delved into more details from our recent research into consumer attitudes to privacy – with the full report available here.

His message stressed that yes, there are big challenges ahead for marketers, but also big opportunities - not least because people still believe the data exchange benefits businesses more.

To round-off the introductory session, Chris introduced our own GDPR guidance: a single, consistent suite of information that provides the definitive GDPR view for marketers.

With vital expertise and contributions from ISBA, the Data Protection Network, the ICO, the DMA’s GDPR guidance for marketers currently features:

• The essentials
• Accountability

We will follow up with guidance on Consent and Legitimate interests and Profiling in March.

Click here for more Responsible Marketing and GDPR resources from the DMA