Protecting Customer Data: How Vocalcom Helps Companies Comply with Data Protection Regulations

In recent years, governments around the world have created new data privacy regulations that businesses must follow. But keeping up with emerging and evolving laws isn't the only challenge for businesses when it comes to collecting and protecting data. They must also ensure that their policies and practices meet the expectations of the most important stakeholders of all: their customers. So how can a company assure its customers that their data will be treated with respect and care and protected from malicious actors?

Let them choose what they want to share

Dialer to your customers control over how much data they share. Having a choice can make all the difference, as can allowing customers to see exactly what can and will be shared in terms of data. Customers will also feel that they can trust the company to keep its word.

Transparency is about a company being upfront about what it does with its customers' information. Rather than hiding things in obscurely written privacy policies drafted by lawyers, take a simple approach and explain it in layman's terms - what we used to call "talking to an eighth-grade level."

Share your privacy policy fully and clearly

Companies can start by stating their privacy policy in clear, concise language so that users can easily understand what data is being collected and how it will be used. To further increase trust, companies should also use third-party audits to verify that their practices are consistent with their privacy policy. Ideally, companies should collect as little data as possible in the first place.

Share your privacy policy fully and clearly

Companies can start by stating their privacy policy in clear, concise language so that users can easily understand what data is being collected and how it will be used. To further increase trust, companies should also use third-party audits to verify that their practices are consistent with their privacy policy. Ideally, companies should collect as little data as possible in the first place.

Allow them to opt out of data sharing

Consumers appreciate brands that respect an individual's right to opt out of data sharing, so offer an easy-to-use customer data opt-out feature. In addition, focus your energy on giving them a reason to sign up by creating a mutual understanding that using the data will enhance their brand experience. Demonstrate stewardship in this area by proactively publishing data privacy policies and calling for compliance with data privacy laws.

Adhere to established industry practices

Companies can be more transparent by adhering to established policies in their industries, seeking accreditation from compliance authorities, and displaying their certificates. This is not easy, as many states have different levels of compliance. The health IT industry, for example, is working with the federal government to establish a universal policy on privacy and data ownership while promoting interoperability.

Provide updates and the ability to delete data

Provide periodic updates (once or twice a year) that describe how your customers' data is used and allow users to delete their data and leave your service if they wish. Most will never take advantage of this, but simply providing the option proves that you care more about their trust than their data. Being seen as more than the collected data you have about them helps to allay many fears.