Microsoft is ready for the home stretch of the implementation of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The technology giant says it has taken another important step in their GDPR compliance journey by appointing Steve May as the European Data Protection Officer (DPO). Microsoft affirmed its commitment to GDPR compliance and privacy as a fundamental human right. The firm is also committing to providing technology solutions to help customers meet their GDPR needs.

Transparency

Currently serving as a privacy leader in Microsoft’s Windows and Devices Group, Mr May brings over two decades of engineering experience at Microsoft to his new role. He also has extensive experience engaging with external stakeholders to provide transparency. Mr  May will be located in Dublin to work on finalising Microsoft’s GDPR readiness in time for May 25, the date the GDPR goes into effect, and beyond.

Established GDPR plan

Others may not be quite so ready. The third biennial Ernst & Young 2018 Global Forensic Data Analytics Survey found that with respect to readiness for the GDPR respondents indicated only 33 per cent have an established plan for GDPR compliance, with another 39 per cent signifying they are unfamiliar with the GDPR. Despite this lack of preparedness, however, respondents rank data protection and privacy risks as a top concern as they watch their overall risk profiles continue to expand. Sources: A Microsoft Webinar on ‘Trust, Privacy and the GDPR’ ; EY