Understanding GDPR: Key Requirements for Online Businesses in the EU, California, and the UK

Hosting & Cloud | David Steele | Thursday, August 14, 2025

OVERVIEW 

Two businesspeople signing a contract

Operating an online business requires navigating global data privacy laws, with GDPR leading the way in setting standards for protecting personal data. This guide covers GDPR ’s key principles, its global influence, and actionable steps for compliance, while addressing specific considerations for businesses in California and the UK to align with local and international regulations.

IN DEPTH 

Operating a business online means handling customer data—a responsibility that comes with various global laws and regulations. At the forefront of these laws is the General Data Protection Regulation ( GDPR ), a landmark legislation that governs data protection and privacy for all individuals within the European Union (EU). While GDPR originates in Europe, its reach extends across borders, influencing laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the UK’s GDPR

This guide explores GDPR ’s fundamentals, its importance, and actionable steps for compliance. It also highlights specific considerations for online businesses in California and the UK that need to align with both local laws and GDPR principles. 

What is GDPR

General Data Protection Regulation ( GDPR ) is a legal framework implemented in May 2018 to give individuals greater control over their personal data while holding organizations accountable for handling it responsibly. It applies to any company processing personal data of EU citizens, regardless of where the company itself operates. 

Why Does GDPR Matter? 

  • Empowered Data Rights: GDPR prioritizes the rights of individuals, giving them control over how their personal data is collected, stored, and shared. 
  • Global Influence: GDPR has shaped privacy standards around the world, inspiring similar regulations like the CCPA in California. 
  • Trust Building: For businesses, compliance with GDPR demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding users' privacy, which can enhance trust and reputation. 

Core Principles of GDPR  

GDPR is built on seven core principles, each guiding how personal data is managed. 

  1. Lawfulness, Fairness, and Transparency

Data must be processed in a manner that is both lawful and transparent. Individuals should understand how their data is being used. 

  1. Purpose Limitation

Data should only be collected for a specific, explicit, and legitimate purpose. 

  1. Data Minimization

Collect and retain only the data necessary to fulfill your purpose. 

  1. Accuracy

Personal data must be accurate and regularly updated. 

  1. Storage Limitation

Data should not be kept longer than needed for its intended use. 

  1. Integrity and Confidentiality

Processing must provide security, protecting data against unauthorized access, breaches, or losses. 

  1. Accountability
    • Use a cookie consent banner allowing users to opt in or out of non-essential tracking. 
    • Provide detailed information about how cookies are used in a comprehensive privacy policy. 
    • Right to Access: Users can request a copy of their personal data.
    • Right to Erasure (“Right to be Forgotten”): Users can request the deletion of their personal data.
    • Right to Rectification: Users may request corrections to inaccurate or outdated data. 
    • Right to Data Portability: Users can request their data in a machine-readable format to transfer to another provider. 
    • What data is collected 
    • How it is processed, stored, and shared 
    • Legal grounds for its processing 
    • How users can exercise their rights 

Organizations must actively demonstrate compliance with these principles. 

GDPR Requirements for Online Businesses 

Online businesses interact with personal data at every turn—through website analytics, e-commerce transactions, and email signups, to name just a few. Implementing the following practices can help achieve GDPR compliance. 

Cookie Consent and Website Transparency

Websites must inform users about data collection and obtain clear consent for any tracking technologies like cookies. 

Rights of Data Subjects

GDPR grants individuals key rights, and businesses must be prepared to uphold these, including:

Data Processing Agreements

If your business works with third-party vendors handling customer data (e.g., cloud hosting services or email marketing platforms), you must have a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) in place. 

This document outlines that third parties are expected to follow GDPR -compliant practices when processing personal data on your behalf.

Data Breach Reporting

Under GDPR , businesses must notify relevant authorities of a data breach within 72 hours if it poses a risk to individuals’ rights. You’ll also need detailed response procedures to mitigate potential impacts. 

Privacy Policies

Your privacy policy must explain:

  • What data is collected 
  • How it is processed, stored, and shared 
  • Legal grounds for its processing 
  • How users can exercise their rights 

Special Considerations for Online Businesses in California and the UK 

Businesses operating in regions like California and the UK must consider additional laws modeled on GDPR principles. 

California (CCPA/CPRA Compliance) 

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is often referred to as the “California counterpart” to GDPR . However, it has key differences tailored to U.S. regulations. 

Consumer Rights

While CCPA covers similar rights to GDPR (e.g., access, deletion), it also uniquely includes the right to opt-out of personal data sales. Businesses must provide a “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” link on their website. 

Expanded under CPRA (2023)

The California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) enhances CCPA by adding data minimization and purpose limitation requirements, echoing some of GDPR ’s principles. 

Applicability

Businesses with annual gross revenues over $25 million or handling data of over 100,000 California residents must comply. 

The UK (UK GDPR

Post-Brexit, the UK adopted its own version of GDPR known as UK GDPR . While largely identical to EU GDPR , compliance with both frameworks may be necessary for businesses with a digital presence in both regions. 

International Transfers

The UK and EU require appropriate safeguards to transfer data outside of their respective jurisdictions. Businesses should be ready to adopt mechanisms like Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs). 

Compliance Frameworks

Businesses must stay updated on any divergence between EU GDPR and UK GDPR over time, as laws evolve. 

How We Help Businesses Navigate GDPR  

Successfully implementing GDPR compliance is an ongoing effort that requires a tailored approach. We work directly with businesses to create practical strategies that align with their unique online operations. 

  • Customized Privacy Policies
    • Drafting privacy policies designed to fit your business model. 
  • Cookie Consent Management
    • Setting up compliant cookie banners and consent mechanisms. 
  • Process Evaluations
    • Conducting reviews of data collection and processing workflows to identify compliance gaps. 
  • Staff Training
    • Delivering training sessions to instill awareness among your team about GDPR obligations. 

Our collaborative process supports the implementation of privacy practices within your digital framework, tailored to your organization's needs.

Final Thoughts 

Privacy regulations like GDPR , CCPA, and UK GDPR are reshaping how businesses handle personal data. For online businesses, adhering to these frameworks isn’t just about legality—it’s about fostering trust and responsibly handling the data customers entrust to you. 

Starting with clear privacy practices and embedding compliance into your operations is a step toward securing the success of your online business, both now and in the future. With the right plan and partner, turning regulatory challenges into opportunities for growth becomes a seamless approach to modern data protection. 

David Steele - Head Shot

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

David Steele is the co-founder of Intrada Technologies, a full-service web development and network management company launched in 2000.  David is responsible for developing and managing client and vendor relationships with a focus on delivering quality service.  In addition, he provides project management oversight on all security, compliancy, strategy, development and network services.

Learn More

Share this article:

Introduction to USB: Understanding the Differ...

Discover the key differences between six common USB connector types and their everyday uses in this comprehensive guide.Universal Serial Bus, more commonly known as USB, has become an essential part of our everyday digital lives. From charging our smartphones to connecting peripherals to computers, ...

Understanding Wi-Fi Types: From WPA2 to Moder...

Wi-Fi has evolved from basic connectivity to a sophisticated system of standards like WPA3 and Wi-Fi 6, addressing security and efficiency for modern needs. Understanding these advancements helps users make informed decisions to optimize and secure their networks in an increasingly connected world.W...

Our website uses cookies and analytics to enhance our clients browsing experience. Learn More /