Published: December 11th, 2020
Businesses across the Marches have been urged to take urgent action to ensure personal data continues to flow freely after the end of the transition period.
The warning – from Business Secretary Alok Sharma – comes with just three weeks to go until the end of the transition period on December 31.
Mr Sharma says there are a number of actions businesses should take to ensure personal data continues to flow freely from the EU/EEA to the UK.
Personal data is any information that can be used to identify a person, including names, delivery details, IP addresses, or HR data such as payroll details. Most organisations use personal data in their daily operations.
"If you receive personal data from the EU/EEA, I urge you to act now to ensure you can continue to lawfully receive data from your clients in the EU from January 1 2021, whatever the EU decides. Specifically, this means:
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You should take stock of the personal data you process prior to January 1 2021.
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If you receive personal data from a company based in an EU/EEA country, you should map your data flows and put in place alternative transfer mechanisms, such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs), with any relevant EU organisations (the EU has yet to make a decision as to whether they accept that the UK’s data protection regime is still adequate).
"Making changes now will ensure a smooth end to the transition period and see businesses ready to take advantage of the new legal and economic freedoms that being an independent trading nation will bring."
Companies are also being urged to take advantage of two webinars on December 15 and 16 for businesses, transporters and industry organisations in the UK and across Europe, where the most up to date information on new procedures will be shared ahead of the changes taking place on January 1 2021.
Sign up now using the links below:
Tuesday 15 December 2020 – Border Readiness: Short Straits and UK Landbridge – REGISTER HERE
Wednesday 16 December 2020 – Border Readiness: Direct Maritime Routes – REGISTER HERE.
