The Data Protection Made Easy podcast is not just for GDPR experts like our hosts. In fact, it’s for anyone wanting to get their heads around data protection law. As we all know, there’s no easy way around the UK GDPR. 

Since the beginning, our mission has been clear: to make data protection simple to understand and do. By listening to our podcast, we help you do just that. Discover what our hosts, Phil, Jasmine, and Joe, covered in August below. 

Data Protection Made Easy: August’s Rundown 

Episode 181: Cracking the RoPA Code

In July (2024), we started a two-part series on Records of Processing Activities (RoPAs) with a live workshop for Data Protection Officers (DPO). The first session covered all the fundamentals, requirements and best practices, with part two focusing on maintaining accurate RoPAs for the long run. 

RoPAs provide a clear overview of your data processing activities. But as with any record, you must regularly update your RoPA before you lose sight of what’s happening. No matter the size of your business, you should have internal data champions and GDPR support to ensure you’re managing your RoPAs correctly. Head to our episode to discover the best tips for updating these records.

Our hosts also finish this episode with cyber security updates on facial recognition technology, the latest news and vulnerabilities in the UK. 

Episode 182: GDPR Radio – Data Quality, Processors & Anomalies

At the heart of the UK GDPR are seven data protection principles that ensure best practice when handling personal data. In this GDPR Radio update, we focused on data quality and its importance for demonstrating our accuracy obligations. 

Our hosts discussed what software is available for enhancing data quality, including how artificial intelligence (AI) can streamline processes. 

We also focused on processor (and sub-processor) contracts, with Joe, our host, asking: “Can a single overarching agreement suffice for multiple controllers or are individual contracts necessary?” Find the answer in episode 182. 

Episode 183: Understanding the Role of  a DPO

Data Protection Officers (DPOs) are the unsung heroes who keep organisations compliant with the UK GDPR. DPOs handle subject access requests, provide GDPR training, and are the primary contacts for the ICO (among other responsibilities). 

All of these responsibilities must be done independently so DPOs can act on behalf of the law rather than the company. In episode 183, we outline ways to avoid conflicts of interest and how to ensure a DPO’s independence in a work environment.

With an outsourced DPO, you can eliminate internal influences and keep your organisation on the right side of the law. However, in-house DPOs can still effectively maintain your data protection responsibilities as long as they only focus on the interests of the UK GDPR. 

Episode 184: GDPR Radio – NYOB

In our second GDPR radio episode, Jasmine and Joe delved into the latest data privacy news of the week. We first looked at the Online Safety Act, a set of laws that protect children’s and adults’ safety online. This Act has sparked privacy concerns, so we spent time uncovering practices for minimising vulnerabilities.

Our discussion led to None of Your Business (NYOB), a leading organisation for data protection rights. Following the GDPR, NYOB has filed numerous privacy lawsuits against tech giants like Facebook and Google to help enforce the law. 

Listen in to episode 184 to learn more about NYOB’s work, along with commentary on fake news and civil unrest. 

Subscribe to Our Award-Winning Podcast 

Want to learn and earn CPE credits? Every Data Protection Made Easy episode totals one credit each – meaning you could add over 180 credits to your record. 

In September, our hosts will update you on the latest GDPR news, along with a special episode on international data transfers. Don’t miss out – simply subscribe to our Spotify, and you’ll always know when the next episode is out. You can also view all our podcasts in our resource area.