Two thirds of companies will reassess data policies next year
More than half of companies don't think they will be able to meet new EU data protection regulations coming into force in 2017


Research by Intralinks Holdings has revealed that two thirds of companies are changing their business strategies in response to proposed data regulation changes issued by the EU.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is causing great concern for businesses, with 50 per cent of global companies saying they will struggle to meet the rules set out by Europe unless they make significant changes to how they operate.
Intralinks questioned 366 IT decision makers across Europe, the Americas and Australasia about their attitude towards the GDRP, which is expected to come into force in December 2017.
Other findings in Intralinks' survey revealed more than half of decision makers were worried they would be fined if they fail to change their policies, yet 70 per cent think they will have to stump up the cash to make sure they are compliant and in 38 per cent of cases, this means hiring data privacy experts.
"New regulations, such as the GDPR, are seriously worrying global businesses," Alan Rodger, senior analyst at Ovum said. "Different jurisdictions are imposing inconsistent and often incompatible mandates for how personally identifiable information is stored, processed and shared.
"This is already creating confusion and uncertainty, leaving fundamental questions unanswered, such as how to interpret data location requirements. Organisations need technology options that help them react to a rapidly changing regulatory environment."
However, MEPs say they will listen to concerns expressed by business owners and will ensure it is fair for both them and their customers.
Get the ITPro daily newsletter
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
"With this regulation, it is essential to balance the protection of civil liberties with creating economic growth and innovation," said Conservative MEP Dr Syed Kamall.
"Addressing the concerns which have been raised during the process is a key priority, so that we create a Regulation which provides opportunity in the EU, creates a legal level playing field, and encourages consumer trust and investment."

Clare is the founder of Blue Cactus Digital, a digital marketing company that helps ethical and sustainability-focused businesses grow their customer base.
Prior to becoming a marketer, Clare was a journalist, working at a range of mobile device-focused outlets including Know Your Mobile before moving into freelance life.
As a freelance writer, she drew on her expertise in mobility to write features and guides for ITPro, as well as regularly writing news stories on a wide range of topics.
-
Cleo attack victim list grows as Hertz confirms customer data stolen
News Hertz has confirmed it suffered a data breach as a result of the Cleo zero-day vulnerability in late 2024, with the car rental giant warning that customer data was stolen.
By Ross Kelly
-
Lateral moves in tech: Why leaders should support employee mobility
In-depth Encouraging staff to switch roles can have long-term benefits for skills in the tech sector
By Keri Allan
-
Forcing Apple to allow alternative app stores might cause major security risks
Analysis Apple will be forced to allow third-party marketplaces on its devices, but some experts have raised serious security concerns
By Solomon Klappholz
-
Why bolstering your security capabilities is critical ahead of NIS2
NIS2 regulations will bolster cyber resilience in key industries as well as improving multi-agency responses to data breaches
By ITPro
-
New EU vulnerability disclosure rules deemed an "unnecessary risk"
News The vulnerability disclosure rules in the Cyber Resilience Act could also cause a “chilling effect” on security researchers
By Ross Kelly
-
Are you ready for NIS2?
WEBINAR Find out what you should be doing to prepare for the EU’s latest data protection regulation and UK equivalent with our free webinar
By ITPro
-
EU regulators are digging their heels in despite big tech’s Data Act pushback
Analysis EU regulators are no strangers to big tech regulatory push back, so why do companies still persist?
By Ross Kelly
-
Microsoft's EU Data Boundary will begin staggered rollout in January 2023
News Public sector and commercial customers will be the first to benefit when the rollout begins on 1 January across all of Microsoft's core services
By Ross Kelly
-
EU watchdog fights against rules permitting Europol's ‘unlawful’ data practices
News The pushback follows allegations that Europol was allowed to write its own rules when it came to handling sensitive data
By Connor Jones
-
EU to introduce strict IoT security regulation
News Manufacturers will be required to assess all risks, and notify the EU of issues within 24hrs
By Rory Bathgate