Data Privacy Compliance Guide for Businesses | GDPR, CCPA, State Laws

GDPR applies if you offer products or services to EU residents or track their online behavior. This includes having a website available in EU languages, accepting EU currencies, or using analytics that track EU visitors. Even small businesses can be subject to GDPR—enforcement does not depend on company size.

GDPR fines can reach €20 million or 4% of global annual revenue, whichever is higher. CCPA violations can result in $2,500 per unintentional violation or $7,500 per intentional violation—with each affected consumer counting as a separate violation. Beyond fines, non-compliance risks class action lawsuits and reputational damage.

GDPR requires a DPO if you are a public authority, if your core activities involve large-scale systematic monitoring, or if you process sensitive data at scale. Most small and medium businesses do not legally require a DPO, but designating someone responsible for privacy compliance is a best practice.

When you receive a request, first verify the requester's identity. Then search all systems where their data might be stored, compile the information, and respond within the required timeframe (30 days for GDPR, 45 days for CCPA). Document everything. A <a href="/solutions/managed-it-services">managed service provider</a> can help establish efficient request handling workflows.