The two words that that stick to everyone’s top of mind awareness in regards to cybersecurity is without a doubt – data privacy. It’s a reality that the way in which we do international business or even run mundane errands like buy groceries or do our banking online, all require the transfer of sensitive information across a vast Internet. And when in a discussion about video conferencing, the conversation about data privacy becomes amplified. With so much data shared during a session, video conferencing software has to have the necessary security features in place in order to protect both the company’s and client’s details. The moment a company has a security risk that puts its customer’s data in jeopardy or leaks their own confidential numbers, an enterprise’s integrity is suddenly put at risk or completely shattered. This could cost a company immeasurable loss and damage and wreak havoc on customer trust.
As a necessary means of precaution, the European Union has banded to form the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a framework that is set in motion to regulate how personal data is collected, stored and kept for further use by companies and organizations. The purpose is to inform individuals about who has access to their private data, what it’s being used for as well as provide individuals with streamlined access to their personal data to see how it’s been collected and who’s taken it.
Back to video conferencing; The main draw of hosting a virtual meeting is that it bridges the communication gap between coworkers, customers, and stakeholders across long distances. With an online meeting, collaboration is made more available and the transfer of information and ideas is instant. However, with recent GDPR developments, even if you are based in North America, your team members in Europe have a different set of regulations to comply with which could affect how you do business. Chances are, as your business grows, so will your client base. Being familiar with regulations in certain countries and not others won’t stand you good stead if you are looking to grow your company.
Even if you don’t deal with a European team, there’s a global subtext suggesting that everything is headed into the direction of cloud sharing and accessibility, which could mean you will inevitably come in contact with European laws. Perhaps the most compelling reason for adhering to GDPR means you are compliant with the world’s strictest data privacy laws. By using a compliant video provider, you have implemented technology that adheres to the highest commercial standards, positioning your company as one who takes security seriously.
Choosing a video service built on a dedicated video conferencing network rather than public internet will help to avoid information being sent beyond the border and back. Video conferencing that starts and finishes in the same country protects information and addresses privacy concerns by keeping data local, rather than using “boomerang routing” which needlessly sends out data before bringing it back. As a bonus, by keeping traffic within country borders, you can expect better audio-visual quality.
Other mitigating factors when video conferencing includes the participation in a Privacy Shield. This is a program administered by the US Department of Commerce as a structure between the US and EU to provide a safe and undisrupted transfer of personal data. Furthermore, there’s the Data Processing Agreement that allows EU customers and both data processors and controllers to adhere to a legally binding document that outlines the particularities of data processing including the scope and purpose.
There are other GDPR policies that ensure a smooth and seamless video conferencing experience – increasing transparency around cookies, email opt-in options, simplified account deletion process, enforcing vendors to protect data, and more. Plus with features like a One-Time Access Code and Meeting Lock as part of the video conferencing software itself, you can host online meetings knowing your information is under tight guard.
LET CALLBRIDGE PROVIDE YOU WITH THE ACCESS AND PEACE OF MIND YOU NEED TO HOLD INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MEETINGS WITH CONFIDENCE.
Callbridge’s GDPR compliant video conferencing software allows your business to grow and scale internationally. Plus, with 128b encryption, granular privacy controls, digital watermarking and state-of-the-art features like a One-Time Access Code that expires after the meeting is concluded and Meeting Lock that actively blocks out anyone from joining, your data is safe and sound.
