WordPress GDPR Compliance

WordPress GDPR Compliance

WordPress GDPR Compliance – Charles Snyder Raw #126.  Since GDPR first became news, there has been a lot of fuss over it.  But there also seems to be a lot of conflicting information about it too. So for this “Raw” episode, I tackle a question sent to us about WordPress and GDPR.

But first, here is Phil’s original question:

“How far along is WordPress in helping its ecosystem become GDPR compliant and embrace its spirit?  What’s left to do?”

Phil W.

What is the fuss all about?

First, GDPR stands for General Data Protection Regulation and is a law from the European Union (EU).  So without all the legal-speak, it is a regulation to force businesses to handle personal data in a prescribed manner.  And it affects all businesses globally, even if they are not in the EU.  Since all that is needed is someone from the EU is to join your mailing list, etc.

Essentially it’s to force big businesses like Google and Facebook to give EU subjects control over their own personal data.  The same applies to every other business big or small, all over the world.  Even if they are just visiting your website and the regulation went into effect on 25 May 2018.

WordPress GDPR Compliance: the fun begins

Anyway, to answer Phil’s question, it became compliant on 17 May 2018, with the release of WordPress 4.9.6.  In other words, the core platform, as well as a growing number of plugins, meet the requirements.  But that doesn’t replace the need for individual website owners from doing their due diligence.

In regards to the rest of the WordPress ecosystem one must look at themes and plugins to make sure compliance is maintained.  Of course, there are more than a handful of plugins just for GDPR compliance.  So yeah, GDPR is a headache too and there is no one single plugin that makes you 100% compliant.

Fun stuff, right?

And Now For A Legal Disclaimer

I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV.  You as the individual website owner must research and address the issues at hand.  And this article, as well as the video, does not replace the need for legal advice or services.

PLEASE NOTE: I no longer answer questions like WordPress GDPR Compliance on Quora.  There are no checks and balances in place for the rampant censorship by some moderators.  And to make matters worse, inquiries about the anonymous censorship that goes on there have yet to see any reply.  Since that is the case, I will continue to help others, I just won’t be wasting my time on that website.  So Say Goodbye Quora!

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