Technology compliance laws are designed to protect the public and to ensure sensitive information is kept secure. The use of technology to manage data has grown hugely over the past few decades, but technology can also be exploited and people can make mistakes. It’s important to have compliance laws in place to ensure technology is used responsibly and private data is protected and handled safely.
The following six industries have strict technology compliance laws that organizations working within them should pay attention to.
1. Healthcare
Companies in healthcare handle large amounts of sensitive data pertaining to patients and service users. Within healthcare, it’s necessary to follow HIPAA regulations for technology and information sharing, in general. It’s important to have good IT services for healthcare on your side to ensure you comply with HIPAA and other relevant compliance regulations. Data breaches could result in significant fines and other consequences for organizations.
2. Finance
The finance industry also needs to use technology in a responsible way. Financial institutions must protect the data that they hold, and it’s also important that financial transactions are carried out securely. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) is an important piece of legislation that protects data privacy within the industry. This may be in addition to following other relevant compliance laws, such as GDPR and CCPA.
3. Education
Educational institutions handle the data of students, staff, donors, parents, and more. In the US, you may need to take a look at the California Consumer Privacy Act, as well as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This protects student data and ensures it can’t be disclosed without the consent of a guardian (if the student is a minor) or the student themselves.
4. Utilities
It might surprise you, but energy and utility companies also have strict technology compliance laws that they have to follow. They also handle personal data, from names and addresses to how much energy a household is using. Businesses within the utility sector need to be aware of the regulations that apply to them and ensure they handle customer data appropriately.
5. Data Companies
Some organizations make it their business to handle data. Data companies, market research businesses, and even social media platforms need to be sure that they are aware of which regulations apply to them. Third-party data suppliers have come under scrutiny in the last few years and new legislation has ensured they have to take more responsibility with the way they collect, record, and store data.
6. Government
Government organizations, as well as private companies that work with them, also need to be vigilant when it comes to protecting data and operating technology securely. These organizations can deal with a lot of private data that needs to be kept secure in order to protect the public. Private contractors will often be required to follow the same rules as government agencies and prove that they are doing so to secure contracts.
Businesses in these industries must follow strict tech compliance laws, but it’s not just these industries that should be careful.