Data Protection & GDPR
We know the GDPR can seem overwhelming. Our specialist lawyers have helped numerous clients put in place the effective policies, contracts and procedures required to avoid fines and reputational damage.
What is involved?
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect on 25th May 2018 – bringing about the most fundamental change in data protection law in a generation. Its purpose is to protect the rights of individuals and the security of their data. This new regime impacts every business, public authority and non-commercial organisation in the UK. Not complying with the GDPR will have heavy consequences.
The GDPR introduces far heavier fines (up to €20 million) for organisations which do not follow the new requirements for valid consent.
Key changes include:
- Far heavier fines – up to €20million or 4% of worldwide turnover (whichever is higher)
- New and stricter requirements for valid consent
- More extensive compliance requirements for all agreements involving personal data
- Compulsory reporting of data breaches and strict time limits for doing so
- In some cases, a duty to appoint a data protection officer
- New data subject rights, and changes to the rules dealing with subject access requests
- Data processors being directly liable for breaches of the law
- Strict requirements for privacy policies and notices
- A requirement to carry out privacy impact assessments in some situations.
GDPR won’t stop your business in its tracks, but you should be doing things differently to avoid breaking the law.
Key contacts
Will Richmond-Coggan
Partner
Data Law Advent Calendar
Welcome to our digital advent calendar, where throughout December Will and Mona (our resident AI and data law specialists, and hosts of the popular Spoonful of Data podcast) will reveal a new piece of digital content every day up until Christmas!
The content will include fun facts, articles, videos and more, all about some of the things that make AI and data protection such an interesting topic, so make sure to return every day to ensure you don't miss anything. There might even be some special surprises for those who stick with them right up to Christmas Eve...
Prepare for a sleigh full of unexpected, insightful and fun advent calendar content!
To view some of the earlier advent calendar days, toggle to the other tab above!
FILM FRIDAY: Earlier this year Mona and Will spend some time discussing their Top 5 (or so) fictional AIs in their Spoonful of Data Podcast, listen below! Or, watch the 80s classic “Flight of the Navigator (1986)” to see humans and artificial/alien intelligence bonding for a heartwarming and nostalgic feel good start to the weekend...
SHOPAHOLIC: Gone are the days of googling ideas for Christmas presents. AI tools such as chatbots are changing the way we shop since they can now become your personal assistants to suggest gift ideas and find the best deals. Have a read below on the pros and cons of relying on AI for the Christmas shop...
NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION: Online shopping has changed our habits and business models, and the French Post is a great example of this. In response to online shopping habits, it installed changing rooms in post offices, where people can pick up their parcels containing clothes, try them on and immediately return any that don't fit!
Why choose our GDPR team?
- We can guide you through a long, complex process with site visits, tailored training and helplines
- Our specialist data protection lawyers are frequent speakers at trade events and GDPR conferences
- We can support your GDPR compliance processes with model contracts, documents and clear policies
- Charity-specific – we have particular expertise with assisting non-profit organisations with GDPR
We know the GDPR can seem overwhelming. Our specialist lawyers have helped numerous clients put in place the effective policies, contracts and procedures required to avoid fines and reputational damage.
We can advise on new data subject rights and changes to the rules dealing with subject access requests. Our lawyers can explain how the introduction of data processor liability affects your supply chain and how to manage this. If you haven’t already, you probably need new (or revised) contracts, privacy policies/notices, and we can help with those too. In addition, we run training seminars and workshops for clients and provide them with guidance and templates documents.
Whether you have questions about international data transfers, direct marketing or profiling – we offer a full spectrum of services to get your organisation fully compliant with the GDPR.
Charities and the non-profit sector will also benefit from our specialist knowledge; we understand the issues of moving to opt-in communications and the challenges that entails.
Get in touch with our experts now to see how we can help you get your organisation with GDPR issues.
Get in touch
Contact Us
- Managing the legal aspects of GDPR compliance for the RSPB, the UK’s largest conservation charity. Drafting privacy policies, opt-in statements and preparing GDPR compliant contracts, procedures and preparing training materials.
- Working closely with a worldwide religious charity on GDPR compliance, dealing with internal data sharing and international transfers.
- The ubiquitous nature of personal data means data protection law needs to be addressed in almost every contract. We have helped clients by preparing GDPR compliant standard terms (for customers and suppliers), data sharing agreements, and assisting in the negotiation of complex data protection clauses.
- Advising on the compliant transfer of personal data from a UK distributor to a manufacturer in the US.
- Advising a public sector client regarding data sharing arrangements between it and a private business.
- Advising on an agreement for the implementation of a cloud-based software suite for a property management company.
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Testimonials
MM
I have had the pleasure of working with Deryck Houghton on a wide range of contentious and non contentious legal matters. I have always found that...
Martin McCloskey, Group Commercial Director
Capita Group plc
"The team at Freeths are "business solutions" driven. In other words, they don't just understand the law, they get how businesses work. This is ext...
The Legal 500, 2025
"Well-resourced, readily available and always easy to talk to despite the complexities of the data protection world."
The Legal 500, 2025
"From the moment we contacted Freeths we felt valued as a client. Their advice was invaluable. We felt reassured having Freeths as our legal advisor."
The Legal 500, 2025
"FEfficient and easy to understand advice, pragmatic and in plain English."
The Legal 500, 2025
The team are highly skilled and experienced, sharing unique insights to solve problems and offer potential solutions.
The Legal 500, 2024
They are very hands-on and join meetings, supporting our teams and working collaboratively.
The Legal 500, 2024
Freeths provide training, articles, and know-how. They are excellent value for money.
Chambers & Partners, 2024
The team at Freeths are experts in their area, and are also extremely effective communicators.
Chambers & Partners, 2024
Meet the team
Will Richmond-Coggan
Partner
Jaskeerat Sanghera
Managing Associate
"Freeths have provided us with excellent support on our EU GDPR project. They responded to our need for specialist GDPR advice as we prepare to meet the requirements of the new legislation. Their dedication and support has been much appreciated."
Valentine Steadman
Corporate and Legal Services Manager - The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
"I have had the pleasure of working with Deryck Houghton on a wide range of contentious and non contentious legal matters. I have always found that Deryck provides friendly, helpful and pragmatic legal advice in a timely fashion and at a cost that we consider to be good value for money. We have used the services of Deryck for many assignments in the past and will continue to do so into the future."
Martin McCloskey
Group Commercial Director, Capita Group plc
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Whatever your legal needs, our wide ranging expertise is here to support you and your business, so let’s start your legal journey today and get you in touch with the right lawyer to get you started.
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