Developing GDPR-compliant software: Requirements and Checklist

GDPR-compliant [Develop software](/services/software development): Requirements and checklist

Short: In today's digital landscape, software is the backbone of countless business processes.

In today's digital landscape, software is the backbone of countless business processes. But with increasing digitization, the responsibility for dealing with personal data is also increasing.

Since May 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has set a strict legal framework for this.

For companies that develop or use software, compliance with these regulations is not only a legal obligation, but also a decisive factor in the trust of their customers.

But what does it mean to develop DSGVO-compliant software?

Why GDPR compliance is crucial in [software development](/services/software development)

Short: The development of software that meets the requirements of the GDPR goes far beyond the blossoming of legal requirements.

The development of software that meets the requirements of the GDPR goes far beyond the blossoming of legal requirements. It is a proactive approach to protecting users' privacy and strengthening data security.

Companies that pay attention to data protection from the outset not only minimise the risk of sensitive bus money, but also position themselves on the market as trusted and responsible partners.

The disregard of the GDPR may, on the other hand, lead to reputation damage which often weighs harder than the financial burden of punishment.

The fundamental pillars of the GDPR for software

Short: In order to meet the requirements of the GDPR, developers and companies must take into account several basic principles that influence the entire life cycle of the software.

In order to meet the requirements of the GDPR, developers and companies must take into account several basic principles that influence the entire life cycle of the software.

Purpose, legal basis and data economy

Any processing of personal data must serve a clear and legitimate purpose and must be on a sound legal basis. The principle of data-saving (Article 5 para.

1 c GDPR) requires that only the data which are absolutely necessary for the respective purpose are collected and processed.

For development this means: ask each data field whether it is really necessary. For example, a newsletter delivery requires an e-mail address, but usually no postal address or telephone number.

The central role of consent

If no other legal basis such as a contract or legal obligation legitimates data processing, the explicit consent of the data subject is required. This consent must be voluntary, informed and unambiguous.

In practice, this is often ensured by a double opt-in method in which the user must actively confirm his consent. The software must be able to document and manage these consents securely.

User rights in focus

Short: The GDPR significantly strengthens the rights of individuals.

The GDPR significantly strengthens the rights of individuals. A DSGVO-compliant software must be technically and organizationally designed to ensure these rights at any time. To this end

References and further reading

Short: The following independent references complement the topics in this article:

The following independent references complement the topics in this article:

• Bitkom – German digital industry association
• German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI)
• European Commission – Digital strategy
• MDN Web Docs (Mozilla)
• W3C – World Wide Web Consortium

"ERP programmes rarely fail on software selection; they fail on unclear process ownership."

— Björn Groenewold, Managing Director, Groenewold IT Solutions