Okay, hands up. Who, six months ago, could have told me what GDPR stood for?
Yes, we have all been bombarded with emails asking us to confirm that we either still wish to receive emails, or do not wish to receive emails, or telling us that privacy settings have been reviewed. And we have had to do just that, review our data policies.
CPT has a new data protection policy on our website, freely available for anyone to see. alt=”” src=”https://www.route-one.net/wp-content/uploads/shutterstock_256473613.jpg” style=”float:right” />
We have also given our members some basic advice on what they need to do to meet their obligations under the Regulations that came into force at the end of May.
In our sector most of the personal data we have has been given to us by our customers in order for us to provide them with the service they have paid for. That is certainly the case so far as CPT is concerned.
All this activity served as a reminder just how quickly technology, and with it data capture, has evolved. It is astonishing to think that the iPad is 10 years old, and that 90% of all the digital data that exists was created in the last two years.
Perhaps even more striking for me is how quickly our children become totally accustomed to new technology. I’m sure many parents have shuddered when their phone has rung in an important meeting to the tune of Peppa Pig!
Online data and data capture is a huge and growing resource. There is a developing market for companies who analyse your bus and coach operating statistics and can offer real savings in time and money by suggesting adjustments to your scheduling and realigning working practices.
We can debate forever whether this data revolution is a good or a bad thing but the fact remains that our on line presence has changed the way we interact with one another. This brings me on to social media. Again, how many of us knew what that meant 15 years ago?
I know that my Chairman, who was a very early convert to the Twittersphere, gets as frustrated as I do when he hears people and, more worryingly, public facing/service businesses, say – proudly, like a badge of honour – that they ‘don’t do social media’. Unfortunately, in this day and age, this head in the sand approach just does not cut it.
It is generally agreed that people are feeling more empowered now than they have for many a long year. Social media is key to this.
Online petitions really do have an effect on local and national politics. Calls to arms via social media have actually resulted demonstrations on Town Hall steps against bus cuts.
Passenger Power is out there and we must think very carefully how we continue to mobilise it.
