In conversation with James Castro-Edwards

In May 2018, the Data Protection Act 1998 will be repealed and replaced with the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The GDPR brings significant changes, granting individuals enhanced rights and imposing a number of new obligations upon organisations.

In this episode of the In Conversation with… podcast series, Timothy Hill, technology policy adviser at the Law Society, is joined by James Castro-Edwards, author of EU General Data Protection Regulation, to discuss the main changes the GDPR will bring, the key risks to organisations and how they should prepare themselves for the new law.

The GDPR has been the subject of widespread discussion, at least in part due to its heavy fines for breaches. Some vendors have resorted to scaremongering in order to boost sales, and the resulting GDPR hype has caused some confusion as to the true risk that organisations face.

The GDPR also confers new powers upon the data protection authorities that will enforce its provisions. In an increasingly digital age, it is difficult to imagine an organisation that will not be affected by the new rules.

The key takeaways from the podcast include:

  • an explanation of the main changes the GDPR will introduce
  • 'debunking the GDPR myths' - we will give a sense of perspective on the real risks organisations are likely to face
  • how businesses, public authorities and charities should prepare for the new law

Find out more about the EU General Data Protection Regulation book

About James Castro-Edwards

James Castro-EdwardsJames Castro-Edwards is a partner and head of the data protection team at London City law firm Wedlake Bell LLP. James has advised domestic and international businesses on data protection issues since 2006. James is the author of the Law Society textbook on the GDPR.