Compliance with data protection regulations is not an optional matter for companies: it is a legal obligation that affects both large corporations and SMEs and self-employed individuals. If your business processes personal data—from customers, employees, suppliers, or partners—you must apply the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Organic Law on Data Protection and Guarantee of Digital Rights (LOPDGDD).
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant financial penalties, but it also puts your company’s reputation at risk. Therefore, understanding your responsibilities and implementing appropriate measures is essential for any organization that wants to operate legally and securely.
What does legal compliance involve?
Respecting data protection principles goes far beyond including a privacy policy on your website. It means clearly informing people about how their data is processed, identifying the legal basis that legitimizes such processing, requesting consent when necessary, ensuring the confidentiality and security of information, documenting the entire process to demonstrate compliance during a possible inspection, and notifying any security breach to the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) and, if applicable, to those affected.
Are all companies obligated?
Yes. Any organization that, as part of its activities, processes personal data—such as names, addresses, phone numbers, or bank accounts—must comply with the regulations. This includes everything from a small business to a large company, including consultancies, clinics, law firms, or technology companies.
Steps to adapt your company to the regulations
Complying with data protection requires planning and commitment. These are the essential steps that every company should follow:
- Identify the personal data you handle. Knowing what data you process and for what purpose will allow you to determine your obligations.
- Assess whether there are transfers or international transfers. For example, if you outsource services or use digital tools that access data, you must regulate this legally.
- Consider whether you need a Data Protection Officer (DPO). Not all companies are required to have one, but in cases such as large-scale processing or sensitive data, it is mandatory.
- Implement appropriate security measures. From encryption to backup policies, according to the risk level of the processing you perform.
- Document the entire process. Internal policies, data processing agreements, records of activities, legal clauses, etc.
- Facilitate the exercise of ARSULIPO rights. Citizens have the right to access, rectify, or delete their data, among others, and effective channels must be provided for them to exercise these rights.
- Design a protocol for security breaches. Establish how to act if there is unauthorized access or loss of information, and make sure to notify it within the established timeframes.
- Conduct periodic audits. They allow you to detect possible failures or risks and correct them in time.
- Train your team. A conscientious and trained staff reduces the risk of human errors, one of the main sources of vulnerability.
Protecting personal data is not only a legal requirement but also an opportunity to strengthen your customers’ trust and improve internal efficiency. Adapting to regulations requires time and resources, but the benefits outweigh the efforts. In an increasingly digital environment, information security is synonymous with corporate responsibility. If you have questions, contact the Economic Office team and we can advise you on this matter.
