27 Jun How to update my WordPress site?
Are you confused with GDPR and how will this affect your WordPress site? GDPR, abbreviated to General Data Protection Regulation, is a European Union law that you have probably heard of. It applies to all businesses, large and small, all over the world (not just in the European Union). If your site has visitors from European Union countries, this law applies to you.
Is WordPress Compatible With GDPR?
Yes, from WordPress 4.9.6, the main WordPress software is compatible with GDPR. The main WordPress team has added a number of GDPR enhancements to make sure WordPress is GDPR compliant. It is important to note that when we talk about WordPress, we are talking about self-hosted WordPress.org.
That said, because of the dynamic nature of the sites, no single platform, plug-in or solution can offer 100% compliance with GDPR. The GDPR compliance process varies depending on the type of site you have, what data you store, and how it processes the data on your site.
Top WordPress Plugins For GDPR Compliance
There are several WordPress plugins that can help automate some aspects of GDPR compliance for you. However, no plugin can offer 100% compliance due to the dynamic nature of the sites.
Beware of any WordPress plugin that claims to offer 100% compliance with GDPR. They probably do not know what they are talking about, and it is best to avoid them altogether.
Here is our list of recommended GDPR Plugin WordPress to compliance your site …
- Ultimate GDPR Compliance Toolkit for WordPress: the only solution that solves all the tasks related to GDPR
- MonsterInsights: If you use Google Analytics, use the EU Compliance add-on.
- WPForms: By far the most easy-to-use WordPress contact form plugin. They offer GDPR fields and other resources.
- Cookie Warning: Popular free plugin to add an EU cookie warning. Integrates well with leading plug-ins such as MonsterInsights and more.
- Delete Me: a Free plugin that allows users to automatically delete your profile on your site.
- OptinMonster: Advanced lead generation software that provides intelligent targeting capabilities to increase conversions while complying with GDPR.
- Shared counts: Instead of loading default sharing buttons that add tracking cookies, this plug-in loads static sharing buttons while displaying sharing counts.
We will continue to monitor the plugin ecosystem to see if any other WordPress plug-ins stand out and offer substantial GDPR compliance capabilities.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Whether you’re ready or not, the GDPR came into effect May 25, 2018. If your site is not compliant before then, do not panic. Just keep working towards compliance and do it as soon as possible.
The probability that you will receive a fine on the day after the entry into force of this rule is very close to zero because the European Union website states that you will first receive a warning, then a reprimand, and fines will be the last step if you fail to comply and consciously ignore the law.
The EU does not want to get you. They are doing this to protect user data and restore people’s trust in online business. As the world becomes digital, we need these patterns. With the recent data breaches of large companies, it is important that these standards be adapted globally.
It will be good for everyone involved. These new rules will help increase consumer confidence and, in turn, help you grow your business. We hope this article has helped you learn about WordPress and GDPR compliance. We will do our best to keep you updated as more information or tools are released.