Data sits at the centre of the modern economy. It presents business leaders and managers with significant opportunities and challenges. To grow their organisations, taking advantage of the latest technological developments, whilst meeting increasingly demanding regulatory and compliance requirements.

In this practical guide, Steven Roberts looks at the steps Irish businesses must take to comply with the data protection laws. Data breaches can have a critical impact on the reputation, operation and finances of an organisation. Public expectations around the use of personal data have also grown, spurred by high profile scandals and increased awareness generated by the GDPR.

Consideration is given to the impact of artificial intelligence platforms. These complex technologies pose particular privacy risks. At a time when managers are looking to AI to grow their business, the author outlines practical steps that can be taken to ensure data protection best practice.

Steven Roberts is an author, columnist and group head of marketing at Griffith College. A Certified Data Protection Officer, Chartered Director and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, he writes regularly for national and international publications on the topics of marketing, governance, strategy and data protection. Steven has extensive governance experience as a senior manager and non-executive director. He is the is the current vice-chairperson of the Compliance Institute’s data protection and information security working group, and was a judge for the 2019, 2022 and 2023 Marketer of the Year Awards.