GDPR compliance is now a critical issue for any company that processes personal data. Beyond simply having legal documents or signed contracts in place, the key question is : Does your organization truly comply with the GDPR, and could it prove it in the event of an inspection or complaint?
Requirements are constantly evolving: cookie management, the use of artificial intelligence, biometric processing (such as fingerprint-based access control), technology providers, and the use of data on social media. This context makes it necessary to periodically review data protection systems and adopt a proactive approach.
This practical GDPR compliance guide helps you assess your current situation, identify risks, and prioritize actions in a clear and organized manner.
Do you comply with these basic requirements of the GDPR?
- Updated record of processing activities.
- Properly executed data processing agreements.
- Risk analysis and technical and organizational measures implemented.
- Training for staff with access to personal data.
- Procedures established to address the rights of data subjects.
If you have any questions about any of these points, we recommend that you assess your actual level of compliance.
How to Verify GDPR Compliance in a Company
Ensuring GDPR compliance involves more than just having privacy notices or consent forms in place. The organization must be able to demonstrate that it implements appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect the personal data it processes.
To conduct an initial assessment, it is advisable to review:
- The record of processing activities.
- Contracts with data processors.
- The updated risk analysis.
- Procedures for managing the rights of data subjects.
- The security measures that have been implemented.
- Employee training and awareness programs.
This review makes it possible to identify potential non-compliance, detect areas for improvement, and reduce the risk of complaints or penalties from the Spanish Data Protection Agency.
Documents Required to Comply with the GDPR
One of the most common questions companies have is what documentation is required to demonstrate compliance with the GDPR.
Although the requirements may vary depending on the activity and the treatments performed, it is generally advisable to have the following documents, among others:
- Record of processing activities.
- Contracts with data processors.
- Risk analysis.
- Internal data protection policies.
- Procedures for Managing Security Breaches.
- Procedures for addressing the rights of access, rectification, erasure, objection, restriction, and data portability.
Keeping this documentation up to date is essential to demonstrating compliance in the event of an inspection or request from the regulatory authority.
Is your company prepared for the new challenges of the GDPR?
Since the GDPR took effect in 2018, enough time has passed for organizations to have implemented basic measures. However, today it is no longer enough to:
- Inventory treatments.
- Sign contracts with suppliers.
- Update legal texts.
True compliance requires identifying risks, demonstrating a proactive attitude, and adapting to an ever-changing regulatory environment.
Areas of the GDPR that require ongoing review
The GDPR requires you to continuously review your level of compliance, especially in areas such as:
- Supplier audit.
- Review of legal bases.
- Requests and processing of particularly sensitive data (such as national ID numbers).
- Use of new technologies in data processing.
Important information you should know
Did you know that...
⚠️In 2023, 21,590 complaints were filed with the AEPD, an increase of 43% over the previous year.
⚠️55% of information-gathering actions result in penalties.
The figures reflect a clear increase in monitoring and action by the Spanish Data Protection Agency, which increases the need to review legal compliance.
Data Protection Questionnaire
Discover the actual level of compliance in your company
At PKF Attest , we help organizations comply with data protection regulations in a rigorous and up-to-date manner. To this end, we have developed a free GDPR assessment questionnaire that allows you to identify:
- Actual compliance level.
- Legal and operational risks.
- Measures needed to strengthen data protection.
- Priorities for minimizing penalties and improving processes.
After completing the questionnaire, you will receive a personalized report detailing critical areas and specific recommendations for your company.
FAQ
Activity logs, risk assessments, policies and procedures, contracts with data processors, and evidence of technical and organizational measures.
At least once a year, or whenever there are changes to processes, systems, vendors, or the type of data processed (for example, the introduction of new cloud services).
Through a data processing agreement, security measures assessment, access control, activity logs, and periodic audits.
The review must include the record of processing activities, contracts with data processors, risk assessments, security measures, training, and procedures for addressing the rights of data subjects.
Depending on the company's activities, the following are typically required: records of processing activities, contracts with data processors, risk assessments, internal policies, and procedures for managing data subject rights and security breaches.
