Microsoft urges tech coys to comply with EU”s Data Protection regulation

Technology giant, Microsoft, has urged business firms and government agencies that use cloud technology in Nigeria to comply with the European Unions General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The Lead Commercial Attorney, Microsoft MEA Emerging Markets, John Edokpolor, gave the advice while fielding questions from newsmen on Friday in Lagos. "Failure to adhere to GDPR requirements can prevent […]

Technology giant, Microsoft, has urged business firms and government agencies that use cloud technology in Nigeria to comply with the European Unions General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The Lead Commercial Attorney, Microsoft MEA Emerging Markets, John Edokpolor, gave the advice while fielding questions from newsmen on Friday in Lagos.

"Failure to adhere to GDPR requirements can prevent trade and other dealings with EU businesses after the deadline.

"The new legislation is a milestone on a journey into a new era, where data is the fuel powering companies of all shapes and sizes, from all sectors," he said.

He said as contained in the GDPR  (EU) 2016/679), the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission intend to strengthen and unify data protection for all individuals within the European Union.

According to him, the deadline for compliance with  the regulation is May 25, 2018, adding that the GDPR replaces the Data Protection Directive which has been in effect since 1995.

Edokpolor noted that as companies increasingly embrace cloud technology, they had an unprecedented ability to capture and store massive amounts of data.

"This is a significant step forward and truly marks the beginning of a new era, one in which data becomes the electricity powering companies.

"An updated governance framework for data protection is a logical policy component of this new age.

"Building on these rules, innovation coupled with trust among businesses and citizens will unlock productivity, help companies to keep their customers delighted and fuel a new generation of disruptors," Edokpolor added.

He said that data which is the most important asset in a modern company’s business portfolio needed the GDPR as a logical policy  since it would guarantee the privacy and integrity of individuals data.

 

L – R: Lead Commercial Attorney, Microsoft MEA Emerging Markets, John Edokpolor and Communications Lead, Microsoft Nigeria, ‘Yemi Orimolade at the Microsoft Nigeria office on Friday in Lagos.

He advised that before you choose a cloud provider, “make sure they can answer some key questions. Who has access to your data, and on what terms? Where is your data stored? How will your cloud service provider respond to government requests for your data, or help you meet your compliance requirements?

 

“It’s vital to ensure your cloud provider is committed to offering full transparency over your data. After all, you wouldn’t hire an accountant who couldn’t tell you exactly where your investments are at any given moment!”

He however urged companies to start thinking of steps to take to meet the new privacy and data protection requirements as efficiently and effectively as possible.

It will be recalled that GDPR is a new European law designed to protect the privacy of citizens by setting new standards in terms of how personal data is handled.

The new regulation became a law in April 2016, but was given a two-year transition period due to the significant changes organisations may need to make to comply with the regulation.