GDPR for Startups: What Actually Matters

GDPR compliance for startups is mostly about not doing stupid things. The regulation is complex, but the practical requirements for a startup are manageable if you focus on what matters.

// the basics you can't skip

Privacy policy that accurately describes what you do. Consent mechanisms that actually work. A way to handle data subject requests. Basic security measures. That's 80% of compliance for most startups.

// what you can probably defer

Data Protection Officer—you probably don't need one yet. Extensive data mapping—start simple and expand. Binding Corporate Rules—not relevant until you're multinational.

// common mistakes

Pre-checked consent boxes. Bundled consent where users can't say no to marketing. Collecting data "just in case." Making it hard to unsubscribe or delete accounts.

// implementation priority

Week 1: Privacy policy, cookie consent. Week 2: Data subject request process. Week 3: Security basics—encryption, access controls. Week 4: Vendor assessment for your critical tools.

That gets you to "reasonable compliance" without derailing product development.