A Guide For Developers to Build Apps Under GDPR Regulation

Posted by Fluper on October 4th, 2018

If you are an app developer and constantly keep you updated with the latest news, trends and technologies related to mobile app development, then you may have heard about GDPR. If you are still unaware of this term, then in this article, I will explain what GDPR means and what it meant for the mobile app development companies. Let's start by explaining the regulation-

What is GDPR?

GDPR stands for the General Data Protection Regulation, which has come into effect on 25 May 2018. This is the latest European regulation regarding personal data protection. It is also in place to make sure that the user is in power of their data. With the never-ending increase of internet and app usage among people, it is well-known that your personal data is shared to the point. In fact, you can’t even know that who has access to it anymore. Names, email addresses, phone numbers, IP addresses and much more are out in the wild. Yes, it is a fact that the data is provided by the users but the usage of these data is rarely transparent. Keeping all these security facts in mind, General Data Protection Regulation has been introduced. It seeks to allow the user to easily opt-out and remove their data when they desire.

Impact of GDPR on Mobile App Development

GDPR affects every company and organization that holds customers’ data. You may be asking yourself, if it is for European Union, then why other will suffer? You are right, the regulations are obligatory for the EU company owners that collect users’ personal data, but if the business runs outside the EU but satisfies the needs of European citizens, the rules are mandatory as well. The cost for non-compliance is too high, up to 20 million euros or 4% of the annual turnover. This is why it is exceptionally important to take the topic seriously and start building only GDPR-compliant apps.

If you have a mobile app that is not compliant with GDPR, then you may face much trouble. This is an ultimate guide for mobile app developers, which make them ready for the coming changes that GDPR will bring. Here are the few points, every app developer should consider-

Asking for Consent

As per the guidelines, it is vital to obtain user consent before storing cookies, saving data on the cloud or through third-party apps or before tracking user behavior or activities. You need to ask a user to opt-in at the right time, and you need to be clear that they are in control. By doing this, you are assuring that user should agree to his data being collected.

Collect data that You need

When you build an app, you can bind your exposure to new rules and regulations by not collecting data that you don’t require. And if you are going to use it, be really clear about what you’ll use it for, so that the user is informed of the reason that specific data such as a phone number or email address is being collected (for example, to update them on the latest updates and features).

Review Data Mapping

It is also a vital process, which mobile app development companies can’t ignore. Here, app developers can review which of your products or services collect and process personal data. You need to keep in mind that you will have to explain to your users why you collect their data.

Rewrite Your Privacy Policy

The terms and conditions, as well as privacy policy, must be written in simple language that is easy for any user to comprehend. It is obvious that your users will have to agree to the app’s Terms & Conditions and Privacy policy. At this stage, make sure your app’s Terms & Conditions side with the modern GDPR legislation.

Right to Erasure

Make sure that users must be able to manage their data so that they can easily trust your app. Well, Right to Erasure or Right to be Forgotten feature is already present in the app so that the user can look into the collected data, modify, or erase it. This can include his browsing history, location data or any other information.

Use control on Subscriptions

After the user opts in for receiving alerts on offers, deals or other information on the app, he or she should have the right to manage his subscription options and preferred mode of communication. The app should give them the choice of opting for communication by email or phone

Final Thoughts

When it comes to connectivity with customers, mobile apps are the perfect example. Keeping your data secure is the thing everybody wants! That’s why not only app users but also mobile application developers start to wonder what this really means and how the changes can affect them regarding data protection. GDPR isn’t just rules and headaches. This is the big opportunity for mobile app developers. European customers will love you more if you are GDPR compliant. If you already developed a mobile app, it is important to do all the essential modifications as soon as possible.