Question 1

Does GDPR apply to my startup?

Accepted Answer

If you have EU users or process EU resident data, yes—regardless of where you're based. Global reach means global regulations. Assume it applies.

Question 2

What are the GDPR fines?

Accepted Answer

Up to 4% of annual global revenue or €20 million. Rarely applied at maximum. Smaller fines more common. Still serious enough to care about.

Question 3

What is a Data Processing Agreement (DPA)?

Accepted Answer

Contract between you and vendors who process data on your behalf. Required under GDPR. Most SaaS providers have them ready. Sign before using services.

Question 4

Do I need a Data Protection Officer?

Accepted Answer

Required in specific cases—large scale processing, sensitive data, public authority. Most startups don't need one officially but should have someone responsible.

Question 5

What is a Record of Processing Activities?

Accepted Answer

Documentation of all data processing—what, why, how long, who sees it. Required under GDPR. Keep updated. Shows you understand your data flows.

Question 6

How do I handle data subject requests?

Accepted Answer

Users can request access, correction, deletion, portability. Must respond within one month. Have a process ready. Build into your product if possible.

Question 7

What is lawful basis for processing?

Accepted Answer

Legal justification for collecting data. Common bases: consent, contract necessity, legitimate interest. Know your basis for each type of data.

Question 8

Do I need explicit consent for everything?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Contract fulfillment and legitimate interest can work. Marketing usually needs consent. Sensitive data needs explicit consent. Know the rules.

Question 9

What about cookies and tracking?

Accepted Answer

Consent needed before non-essential cookies. Analytics and marketing cookies need opt-in in EU. Cookie banners common. Don't fire trackers before consent.

Question 10

How do I handle data transfers outside EU?

Accepted Answer

Need legal mechanism—Standard Contractual Clauses most common now. Privacy Shield invalidated. US providers offer EU hosting options.

Question 11

What is data minimization?

Accepted Answer

Only collect data you need. Keep only as long as necessary. Delete when no longer needed. Reduces risk and compliance burden. Good practice anyway.

Question 12

How do I handle a data breach?

Accepted Answer

Report to authority within 72 hours if risk to individuals. Notify affected users if high risk. Document everything. Have incident response plan ready.

Question 13

What about CCPA for California?

Accepted Answer

Different but related requirements. Opt-out vs opt-in. Different thresholds and rights. If you're GDPR compliant, CCPA is easier. Check applicability.

Question 14

What tools help with compliance?

Accepted Answer

Cookie consent (Termly), privacy tools (OneTrust), compliance platforms (Vanta). Build data request handling into your app. Documentation in Notion.

Question 15

Should I hire a privacy consultant?

Accepted Answer

For complex situations, sensitive data, or high-risk processing. Simple B2B SaaS can often self-manage with good tools. Assessment helps identify needs.

I need to comply with GDPR and data protection regulations

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