How GDPR Affects Live Chat Software
DATE
This Live Chat Software Blog was Published On
TAGS
Associated Tags that are related to Web Chat Software
AUTHOR
The Author of this Live Chat Service Article
VIEWS
Number of views this blog has had

08 January 2018

Gemma Baker

10069

How GDPR Affects Live Chat Software

2018 signifies the start of the New Year, with many companies attention turning towards GDPR that comes into effect from 25th May 2018 for all 28 Member States of the EU.

The purpose of the General Data Protection Regulations is to catch up with the digital era by modernising effective data protection rules. The EU is calling it “the most important change in data privacy regulation in 20 years.” So in preparation, we have appointed a Data Protection Officer (DPO) who is up to date with the regulation as it currently stands and will continue investigating updates as they are published.

Previously we kept clients data for the life of their subscription unless an agreement was in place to purge the data. Now companies can only keep data as long as it is necessary. Detailed and summarised information will be kept for up to a year maximum as default, again if an agreement is in place we can extend or reduce this, based on customer requirements.

GDPR states that consent now cannot be assumed; consumers need to be aware of how their personal data is being used by organisations. It is vital that companies using communication tools such as live chat software and visitor tracking update their privacy policy with how they intend to use visitors’ personal data. This should then be accessible from any pre-engagement form (chat, call, smartContact etc.), which should be customised with a mandatory tick box that is not already pre-filled. Visitors will need to tick this to record that they have read and understood the privacy policy, consenting to the use of their personal data as outlined; no communication will be initiated until they have agreed to share their details.  

Bucks CAB live chat software prechat form

This consent can also be withdrawn; therefore, any data that the organisation holds on that consumer will need to be purged from their records, including information stored within the Click4Assistance solution. Filters are available with every communication tool within ‘Experiences’ that will allow your company to search for the visitor by name and prospect information, enabling you to find them quickly and remove their interaction details.

How Other Communications Channels Are Affected

Similarly, with email marketing, consumers should give consent for the organisation to use their data for the purpose they have outlined. Rather than signing individuals up for your email marketing and then having an opt-out option, under GDPR they can only be signed up if they have selected the opt-in option. The tick box cannot already be automatically filled in and the opt-out option needs to remain within mailouts.

But what about social media? As far as data use and gaining consent is concerned, these will be covered within each platforms terms and conditions and privacy notices. US organisations, including social media providers, can self-certify with existing legislation EU-US Privacy Shield, committing to this framework forms their agreement which reinforces their protection of EU citizen data entrusted to them.

Telemarketing will be directly impacted by the regulation. The law already requires that at the end of a call organisations need to give individuals the opportunity to opt out of receiving further communications. Usually representatives will simple ask “is it ok for us to keep in touch” and get a simple yes or no, they can continue to ask this however under GDPR, proof is needed that the individual consented. This can be done by recording the call, but the person will need to know it’s being recorded and how their personal data, if mentioned on the call, will be used. If this isn’t an option the representative needs to record the time and date of every conversation, the name of who they spoke to and that they consented for a call back.

GDPR will affect many sales and marketing communication channels to ensure that in this digital era, EU citizen’s personal data is secure and not misused. To keep up to date with how the regulation will affect the Click4Assistance solution, keep an eye out for our blogs. For more information about ‘Experiences’ contact our team on 01268 524628 or email theteam@click4assistance.co.uk

Author Photo
Author: Gemma Baker
Gemma is the Marketing Executive for UK live chat software provider, Click4Assistance, with a range of digital knowledge within PPC advertising, SEO practices, email campaigns and social media.

WE HELP BUSINESSES COMMUNICATE

UK providers of live chat software and online communication tools to a range of industries, we offer a cutting edge, resilient and proven live chat solution backed-up with first class support and advice.

FIND OUT MORE

Photograph of the Author

BLOG ARTICLE AUTHOR: GEMMA BAKER

Gemma is a Marketing Executive for UK web chat Provider Click4Assistance, with a range of knowledge in live chat software and customer engagement channels, customer service methods and improving online business.






WE HELP BUSINESSES COMMUNICATE

UK providers of live chat software and online communication tools to a range of industries, we offer a cutting edge, resilient and proven live chat solution backed-up with first class support and advice.

FIND OUT MORE

An image of the Author

BLOG ARTICLE AUTHOR: GEMMA BAKER

Gemma is a Marketing Executive for UK web chat Provider Click4Assistance, with a range of knowledge in live chat software and customer engagement channels, customer service methods and improving online business.






SMALL OR MEDIUM SIZED ENTERPRISE

Cost-effective live chat software, proven to increase lead generation and customer satisfaction. Easy to implement and customise, the solution supports your business out of hours with the ‘leave a message’ feature.

CORPORATE ORGANISATION

Integrate our compliant solution with your existing systems for a seamless implementation. Intelligent chat routing ensures multiple department capabilities. Measure your ROI and monitor operators’ KPI’s with the Advanced Reporting Suite.

THE PUBLIC
SECTOR

Increase productivity, reduce resource costs and improve customer satisfaction by answering multiple enquiries simultaneously with live chat software. Mitigate budget restraints, support digital transformation and help customers during online processes.

Book your personalised demo

See the software in action and discuss your requirements with our experienced industry experts to achieve success with live chat, chatbots and much more!

  • Make it easier for your visitors to speak to your team
  • Increase leads, increase revenue
  • Decrease resources, save money

Thanks!

Your details have been received, we will contact you shortly to confirm the demonstration.