BlaBla Connect Limited is an innovative company offering two mobile applications enabling customers to call and exchange messages abroad, as well as to make online payments and transfer money. They are headquartered in the UK and supported by a back-office teams based in the UK and Egypt.
The Challenge
BlaBla Connect is committed to the data protection by design which was particularly in the loop for the launch of the new mobile application. The company have also looked at GDPR compliance more broadly across their business operations relevant to the protection of their staff’s and customers’ personal data. BlaBla Connect therefore sought professional consulting advice from Gemserv, data protection being core to its business operations and vital to maintain trust of their customers.
BlaBla Connect has a well-established customer base for the telecommunication services spread all over the wold. Moreover, they have just recently launched e-Wallet services which are quickly gaining customers’ attention.
Gemserv has a range of experience in helping organisations blend GDPR compliance with current and future organisational objectives whilst ensuring adherence to the highest standards and current and forthcoming legal requirements. We have significant experience with organisations operating in the telecoms and new and emerging technology sectors.
Our Approach
Gemserv worked with BlaBla Connect to deliver an initial audit of its GDPR compliance which was led by experienced data protection consultants. Gemserv was able to bring an in-depth knowledge of both GDPR and our experience working with innovative new start-ups across the technology sector. Our consultants’ first action was to encourage a risk-based approach which the business could engage with and understand at multiple levels. This was an important factor in ensuring that all key stakeholders were engaged in the project from the outset.
Priority areas for BlaBla Connect included:
- Assessing BlaBla Connect’s handling of personal data, identifying gaps in GDPR compliance and providing risk-based recommendations, which enable prioritisation of what needs to be in place in order to demonstrate compliance.
- Giving expert GDPR guidance for BlaBla Connect’s product development, including performing Data Protection Impact Assessments.
- Delivering expert guidance in relation to policy production and more importantly, implementation of compliance requirements in mobile applications.
The Outcome
With the introduction of GDPR coinciding with new product development, BlaBla Connect have taken a privacy by design approach from the outset. Gemserv carried out an audit of BlaBla Connect’s GDPR compliance to verify that the necessary policy, procedures, and processes were in place across their business operations.
Following the engagement with Gemserv, BlaBla Connect has adopted its systems, controls and operations to be in line with GDPR requirements. This encompasses monitoring compliance with GDPR and data protection laws, raising awareness of data protection issues, training staff and conducting internal audits.
Gemserv has reviewed all aspects of the GDPR requirements for BlaBla Connect. Gemserv’s consultants reviewed all policies and aspects of the business and gave professional advice enabling BlaBla Connect to launch its OTT as well as its e-Wallet applications, in full compliance with current GDPR requirements.
In addition to that, Gemserv continues support to the company as an outsourced Data Protection Officer. This involves regular engagement with the senior management of the company on day-to-day data protection related queries and operational changes, as well as liaison with the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Interested in a Data Protection Officer (DPO) Service
Click below to find out more about our data protection officer service and how we can help you. Alternatively, you can contact one of our team by calling +44 (0)207 090 1091 or emailing: dataprotection@gemserv.com.