The Publishers Association launches data protection toolkit

The Publishers Association is today launching a new online toolkit for members to help them prepare for the upcoming General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which will introduce widespread changes to data protection laws in Europe.

The resources, which have been developed for the PA by law firm Harbottle & Lewis together with technology consultancy Stigmergist, offer a full practical guide for publishers, outlining what they need to do to comply with the new regulations before they apply from 25 May 2018.

The resources include a questionnaire to help the publishers conduct their own data review, template policies and contracts, guidance on data processing contracts and transferring data outside the European Economic Area. The toolkit has been particularly designed to support smaller publishers, to ensure they have a straightforward, accessible route to compliance. Larger members will also benefit from using the resources as a reference point for their own GDPR preparations.

The toolkit will include a series of webinars with topics including an introduction to data protection and the GDPR, handling children’s data, data subject rights and data breaches. The toolkit will be available to all members on the PA’s website.

Stephen Lotinga, Chief Executive of the Publishers Association, said:

“The upcoming changes to data protection laws in the EU are causing a lot of anxiety to many businesses as they grapple with the full implications.

We want to make sure that all publishers can really get a handle on how they process data and will do whatever we can to support our members to help them prepare before these new regulations apply.

We believe this toolkit will help the industry to take many of the practical measures necessary to ensure that they are compliant ahead of May 2018.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Contact: Chloe Smith – 0207 089 5824 / 07990 684599/csmith@publishers.org.uk

or Ruth Howells – 0207 089 5829/ 07827 089058/rhowells@publishers.org.uk

The Publishers Association

The Publishers Association (the PA) represents book, journal, audio and electronic publishers in the UK, spanning fiction and non-fiction, academic and educational publishing. Our members include global companies such as Elsevier, Wiley, Pearson, Penguin Random House, Hachette and the University presses, as well as many independent publishing houses.

Harbottle & Lewis

Harbottle & Lewis are affiliate members of the Publishers Association and a leading law firm for the publishing sector. Working with many PA members and industry stakeholders they deliver practical, industry-focussed advice across IP, contract, corporate, tax and technology matters, including data privacy.

John Nolan, Stigmergist

John Nolan has over 30 years of experience at the forefront of technology, operating in diverse domains from finance, retail, media, engineering, telecoms and most recently publishing. From founding start-ups to working with blue-chip corporations, his focus has always been on delivering value through effect change and adoption of new ideas. As comfortable in the boardroom as the clean-room, John continuously on all aspects of technology, from hardware and programming through to working practices and policy. Most recently, John was Group Technology Director for The Blair Partnership and J.K.Rowling’s Pottermore with a particular emphasis on Data, Security and Privacy issues.