Friday Buzz: How EU Data Rules Could Shake Up Member Communications

If your association has a global reach, things are going to get a bit more complicated next year.

On May 25, 2018, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation will take effect, shaking up the ways that data can be used—and imposing big fines on organizations that don’t comply.

Jackie Scully, director of the U.K.-based Think Intelligence, warns that the law could have a major effect  (opens in a new tab) on how member organizations collect and segment data about their members in the EU.

Provisions of the regulation include a requirement to obtain active consent from members, a clear demonstration of how member data will be used, a reasonable refresh of a member’s consent, and changes to how organizations contact lapsed members. It also sets new rules for privacy assessments and breach reporting.

Scully recommends arming yourself with knowledge in the coming months.

“The advice so far? Show [willingness] and demonstrate that you are taking the changes seriously and are going to take steps to be more transparent and accountable,” she writes. “Review the information you hold and look at the systems and processes you have in place to both collect and store data. Take advice on the wording of your company privacy statement.”

She also suggests visiting the U.K.-based Information Commissioner’s Office website  (opens in a new tab) to get a full grasp of what’s coming.

After the Merger …

https://twitter.com/deirdrereid/status/908739205790076928  (opens in a new tab)

Earlier this year, a major merger caused a significant shift in the association vendor space. So what should be made of it?

At theNIRD.org, a new interview featuring Aptify founder Amith Nagarajan  (opens in a new tab), whose company was acquired by Community Brands in March, breaks down the impact of the merger on the broader sector—including why he decided to sell.

Other Links of Note

What’s new in headless CMS. CMS Wire suggests 13 notable headless CMS platforms to watch  (opens in a new tab).

Feel like you’re carrying a little too much water for the team? Fast Company offers some tips  (opens in a new tab) to make sure you’re not doing your coworkers’ tasks too often.

Embrace your flaws. Over at Association Success, MemberWise’s Richard Gott explains the value of being “flawsome.”  (opens in a new tab)

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