What is GDPR?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is an EU directive initiated on May 25, 2018, designed to safeguard the personal data of EU citizens. It mandates any company, irrespective of location, to process the data of these individuals to adhere to its guidelines. This regulation empowers individuals with significant control over their data, and stringent repercussions await non-compliant firms.

Shopify's Stance on GDPR

Shopify, an ecommerce platform, processes the data of EU citizens and, hence must align with GDPR guidelines. But while Shopify aids in upholding GDPR, the onus of total compliance rests with the merchant. Legal consultation is crucial for merchants to ensure their adherence.

GDPR Applicability

It covers businesses in the EU, EEA, UK, and Switzerland that handle personal data. Also, non-EU entities offering products or services to individuals in these regions fall under its purview.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Non-adherence can lead to severe penalties, including fines of up to 4% of global annual revenue or €20 million, whichever is higher. Infringements, such as neglecting data protection norms, not designating a Data Protection Officer, or overlooking breach notifications, can attract these penalties. Authorities can also halt data processing or mandate corrections. Furthermore, affected individuals might resort to legal actions against non-compliant entities.

For more information, please refer to the original article.