Canadian businesses, both big and small, have long skirted around privacy regulations. From CASL to PIPEDA to GDPR, the regulatory compliance laws for digital have been growing so fast that it’s tough to keep up. It’s not just about privacy—websites don’t often get the attention or budget they deserve, which can make it tough to comply. We witness this daily. On top of that, Quebec’s Law 25 (previously dubbed Bill 64) is changing the game.
What is Law 25?
Based loosely on Europe’s GDPR, Law 25 is a new set of business obligations for the collection and use of personal info. If your site attracts traffic from users in Quebec, compliance is now mandatory. And non-compliance? That means fines and penalties.
According to a survey conducted by PwC:
- 37% of businesses do not have robust privacy programs.
- 40% of companies do not understand how Law 25 will impact their business.
It’s not entirely bad, though. For too long, companies have been lax with private data. But consumers deserve rights. Data should only be collected with consent, and visitors should have the right of erasure. These are positives. Better marketing stems from better consent mechanisms. Opting in for messaging and personalization makes us more responsive. It’s more than privacy—it’s about rethinking website expertise and valuing a traditionally underappreciated asset, the website.
Why website expertise is critical
Cutting corners on your website? That’s like building your house on quicksand. Companies that opt for cheap solutions often end up with outdated, locked-down CMS platforms that cost them more in the long run. It’s why we recommend WordPress for its user-friendliness and flexibility. We see low-cost website disasters all too often. Your website is a marketing powerhouse not just an IT task. It requires expertise, especially now that data privacy is non-negotiable.
Think of privacy and security compliance as another layer to ongoing website optimizations which you should be routinely conducting. Similar to content updates, accessibility audits, and plug-in updates, you’ll want to build security and privacy into your company’s website hygiene.
Your step-by-step guide for compliance
Don’t panic. We’ve got you covered with the steps you need to take to put your business on the path to compliance.
Step 1: Appoint a privacy champion
No matter your company size, appoint someone responsible for privacy. This person should understand and implement privacy frameworks and consult with external experts. They’re crucial for creating internal awareness and accountability in data privacy matters.
Step 2: Assess your current standing
A health check is key. Enzuzo’s privacy compliance scanner is a great start. It does more than score your website—it assesses your compliance status, providing actionable insights regionally and globally. This step is crucial in laying a solid foundation for your privacy strategy.
Step 3: Chart out your action plan
The assessment results should give you a clear action plan. Identify whether you need quick fixes or a comprehensive overhaul. Sometimes, a minor tweak is enough. Other times, you need experts like us to step in. Your plan should include timelines, responsible parties, and measurable goals. Remember, a well-structured plan is key to turning your vision into reality.
Step 4: Partner with a privacy-savvy web agency
Choosing the right partner is about more than just compliance—it’s about aligning with a team that understands your business and can anticipate future privacy challenges. Your agency should not only help you meet current standards but also prepare you for upcoming changes in privacy legislation.
Step 5: Implement a data privacy platform
Relying solely on manual frameworks isn’t enough. That’s why we use Enzuzo. It helps us implement changes rapidly, ensures continuous compliance, and adapts to various geographic requirements.
Make the smart move
Data privacy is now at the forefront of digital marketing. Ignoring it is not just risky; it’s potentially devastating. Make the smart move: invest in expertise by partnering with the right professionals and use technology to stay compliant. Remember, it’s more cost-effective to invest in data privacy now than to face the consequences later. Data privacy is a journey, not a destination, and it’s crucial to stay on the right path.
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