GDPR sets out new rules for how all European residents' data must be handled and replaces the 1995 EU Data Protection Directive.

GDPR strengthens the rights that individuals have regarding personal  data relating to them and seeks to unify data protection laws across  Europe, regardless of where that data is processed.

A regulation such as the GDPR is a binding act, which must be followed in its entirety throughout the EU.

GDPR compliance isn't just for European companies.

GDPR applies to businesses of all sizes, regardless of whether you have 1  or 10,000 employees, and regardless of where you or your company is  based.

If you offer products and services to customers located within Europe, then GDPR will apply to you.

We've been hard at work preparing for GDPR for some time. In  consultation with our legal advisors, we have implemented a number of changes to the product that are designed to help you with meeting  your GDPR compliance requirements. These are part of the Version 7.5 release.

For more information refer to the next article; How can WHMCS help with GDPR compliance?

If you haven't already done so, you should start your compliance efforts now.

While WHMCS enables you to collect and store information, it's important  to note that you as the site owner are the data controller. If your  site can collect data from EU citizens, including those in the UK, then  we recommend that you review your data privacy and security practices  and begin researching your responsibilities.

Every business is different and that may affect what you need to do to  comply with GDPR. We encourage you to work with legal and other  professional counsel to determine precisely how the GDPR might apply to  you and your business.

Below are some links to more information:

• UK's Information Commissioner's Office Guide to GDPR
• Data Protection Commissioner
• European Commission GDPR Portal