At Data Solutions Group, we help UK businesses comply with data protection laws. The UK GDPR sets rules for processing personal data. It centres on 7 key principles, which ensure personal data is handled lawfully, securely, and transparently.

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1. Lawfulness, Fairness, and Transparency

Personal data must be lawful, fair, and transparent.

• Lawfulness: Process data only with a valid legal basis, such as consent, contractual necessity, or legal obligation.

• Fairness: Avoid misleading or harmful processing.

• Transparency: Inform individuals about how data is used.

Example: Collecting employee emails for payroll requires informing staff and using the data only for payroll.

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2. Purpose Limitation

Data must be collected for specific, stated purposes.

Example: Customer data collected for service delivery cannot be used for marketing without consent.

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3. Data Minimisation

Collect only necessary information.

Example: An online form asking for age and gender should not request unrelated details like marital status unless essential.

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4. Accuracy

Data must be accurate and up to date.

Example: Update customer addresses promptly to avoid communication errors.

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5. Storage Limitation

Keep data only as long as needed.

• Implement retention schedules.

• Delete or anonymise outdated records.

Example: Archive former employee HR records according to statutory periods, then securely destroy them.

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6. Integrity and Confidentiality (Security)

Data must be secure against unauthorised access, loss, or damage.

• Use encryption and secure storage.

• Limit access to authorised personnel.

• Conduct regular security audits.

Example: Store customer records on encrypted servers with secure backups.

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7. Accountability

Organisations must demonstrate GDPR compliance.

• Maintain policies and records.

• Conduct data protection impact assessments (DPIAs).

• Train staff on GDPR requirements.

Example: Document data handling and have procedures ready for audits.

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How Data Solutions Group Can Help

Data Solutions Group provides practical GDPR support:

• Secure document scanning and storage

• Digital data management solutions

• Retention schedules and secure disposal

• Compliance audits and staff training

We ensure responsible data processing, reducing risk and improving efficiency.