The aim of the GDPR2DSM project (11/2020–10/2022) was to create an easy-to-use tool to help companies increase their data protection expertise, assess the current state of their practices and, on this basis, get tips on how to meet data protection requirements. The first version of the tool was based on a survey carried out in early 2021, on the basis of which the Data Protection Tool was developed in cooperation with companies. The Data Protection Tool was finished by the end of October 2022.
The tool has been developed based on open-source code, which will enable its free further development after the project. The source code of the tool has been published on Github. The Data Protection Tool has been translated into Swedish and English, which makes it possible to use it also in other EU countries.
Data protection is a competitive asset, and it is worth telling your customers about it. When company has ensured that it is GDPR compliant, it can innovate, renew, and expand with confidence in the EU’s digital single market. However, many small and medium-sized enterprises still need more information and support in data protection issues both in Finland and elsewhere in Europe.
The aim of the project and the Data Protection Tool was to increase the data protection expertise of small and medium-sized enterprises and to help companies that find the application of the GDPR challenging. At its best, the transfer of small businesses to the digital environment and the EU’s internal market is promoted at the same time.
The longer version of project’s name describes the objective: The GDPR opens doors to the Digital Single Market with key online tools for SMEs and support for capitalising on opportunities.
The project was coordinated by the Office of the Data Protection Ombudsman, and the project partner was the Finnish Information Society Development Centre (TIEKE). The project was funded by the European Union’s Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme.
