GamStop vs. GDPR: Is There a Contradiction?
In 2018, the UK government introduced new standards for users’ data protection called GDPR – General Data Protection Regulation. According to these regulations, users from the UK obtained more rights in terms of their data privacy. Each person can manage, and decide, which data can be tracked from their devices.
Many users connected the new law with GamStop – a self-exclusion program that prevents participants from visiting online casinos and betting sites. Don’t those regulations contradict each other? See the answers below.
What GamStop Is and How It Works
GamStop is a self-exclusion program from the UK. It was created to solve the national problem of responsible gambling. Here is what is GamStop and how it works.
Each UK citizen can freely register in the program and provide their personal data. Thereafter, GamStop will track the activity of this IP and block all UK-registered gambling and sports betting websites. It is a way for users to heal from gambling addiction. Self-exclusion can be turned on for several months or up to 5 years.
To forbid players from gambling, the program cooperates with the Data Shed company. It is a data service that can track and block IPs from the GamStop List.
GDPR and Its Main Theses
GDPR, on its part, is a new approach to data privacy regulation. The principle of this policy is to protect the users’ data from tracking and ensure confidentiality. It includes the following thesis:
- Users can determine which of their data will be collected.
- All the UK websites and online services have to comply with the policy.
- The program excluded automatic decision-making on the sites, allowing users to manage their data collection.
In general, the regulation was introduced to give UK citizens more rights concerning their data and online activity.
Does GamStop Comply with GDPR?
So, are there contradictions between the two programs? Many GamStop members are worried that the program won’t be able to track their activity because of the new law. Indeed, it prevents websites and online services from collecting some data, but it’s not that easy with GamStop.
GamStop has an official registration with the number ZA247738 in the UK. The special status of a Controller gives the program more rights than other services have. Thus, it can track, collect, and analyse registered users’ data without regarding the new rules. General data protection regulation is only applicable to general websites. The program can’t influence the work of the state programs like GamStop. Thus, there is no need to worry.
FAQ
What does GamStop need my data for?
Data collection is needed to perform the main GamStop functions. The program is crafted to track and safeguard your behaviour online and prevent you from visiting casinos. It would be impossible without data collection. GamStop requires your IP and your online activity to operate.
What if I didn’t give consent to hold my personal data?
By registering in GamStop, you automatically give permission to collect and store your data. Indeed, users in the UK can manage cookies and other data tracking tools, but it only applies to other websites. GamStop is officially registered as a controlling tool and requires your information to work. Moreover, even other users can register you within the program.
How long does GamStop keep my personal data?
GamStop has specific rights for data collection. It can track and analyse your data while the program works (from several months to 5 years), and 7 years after. It is needed to analyse the information. Such analysis may help to enhance the program functionality and gain essential information to protect other users.
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