The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) governs how organizations collect, use, and store personal data of EU/UK residents. This regulation applies to both EU/UK-based organizations and those outside these regions that offer services to EU/UK residents.

Personal data under GDPR includes:

• Traditional information (names, addresses, birth dates)
• Digital data (location, IP addresses)
• Biometric and financial information
• Any data that can identify an individual

Key Compliance Requirements:

1. Audit Your Data Collection

• Review all data collection points
• Analyze third-party service integrations
• Evaluate data storage and transfer methods
• Assess necessity of collected information

2. Privacy Policy Requirements

• Detail collected information types
• Explain data usage purposes
• Disclose data sharing practices
• Specify data retention periods
• Outline international data transfers

3. Cookie Compliance

• Implement clear cookie banners
• Obtain explicit consent for non-essential cookies
• Allow cookie preference management
• Provide easy access to cookie information

Implementation in Squarespace:

Website Compliance:

• Disable Activity Log for IP address protection
• Customize cookie banners
• Add privacy policies and terms
• Configure newsletter consent
• Manage analytics settings

Third-Party Services:

• Review connected services' privacy policies
• Monitor data sharing practices
• Ensure compliant data transfers
• Implement appropriate safeguards

Data Transfer Mechanisms:

• Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)
• EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework
• UK International Data Transfer Addendum
• Technical and organizational security measures

Important Considerations:

• Regular privacy policy updates
• Clear consent mechanisms
• Data subject rights management
• Secure data transfer protocols
• Documentation of compliance measures

Organizations must maintain ongoing GDPR compliance through regular audits, updates, and monitoring of data protection practices. Consult local data protection authorities for specific guidance in your region.

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